Governor Announces More Than $1.4 Million in Grants to Support Hudson River and Estuary Projects

New York State Governor Pataki recently announced details on more than $1.4 million in Hudson River Estuary grants for 34 community projects in the Hudson River Valley region to enhance public use and enjoyment of the Hudson River, clean up pollution, promote environmental stewardship and education, and help to preserve the natural resources of the Hudson River Estuary and its tributaries and watersheds.

"Today, we are awarding more than $1.4 million to local governments and not-forprofit organizations to support restoration and educational projects that will improve the quality of the Hudson River," the Governor said. "These investments, .... will help to ensure that the Hudson River continues to be one of the Empire State's most treasured natural resources."

Senator Vincent L. Leibell said, "Under Governor Pataki's strong environmental leadership, New York's Hudson River has been revitalized. This crucial

and beautiful waterway has served the State, as a major transportation route and as a source of great enjoyment. I am pleased to see this firm commitment to providing community's with the funds they need to continue these important projects to enhance the Hudson River."

The awards announced today are the eighth in a series of grants provided to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations located within the geographic boundaries of the Hudson River Estuary. Area recipients of grants include: Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Inc., Dutchess County - $50,000 "Environment as an Integrating Context for Learning" Program: a project to establish a model educational partnership with Poughkeepsie's Middle School and local non-profit educational and cultural organizations; The Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, Dutchess County - $40,000 Multimedia Exhibit on Hudson Commercial

Fishing History: a project to create an online and traveling exhibit; Mid- Hudson's Children's Museum, Dutchess County - $35,000 Riverfront Field Education Site - the Children's Museum will expand its services as a river field station and will also install water quality monitoring equipment. Also to the Mid- Hudson Children's Museum: $100,000 Easement for Use of Pavilion: funds will assist the Museum in buying out the lease on a portion of its property to allow expansion of river programs at a large open pavilion on the water; Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Dutchess County - $30,000 for web-based Tools linking students & scientists and Glynwood Center, Orange/Dutchess/Columbia Counties - $30,000 Protected Agricultural Land Resource Survey: a project to create GIS maps of land protected under agricultural easements/ownership and develop conservation management plans.