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DEC Announces Hudson Estuary Grants
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis recently announced more than $1.7 million in Hudson River Estuary grants for 41 projects in the watershed and two appointments to lead the Hudson- Champlain Quadricentennial Commission activities as the state begins the build up to the 2009 commemoration.
"These grants will help protect natural areas, support river education and provide access for boating, fishing and hiking. Importantly, we are creating new opportunities to connect New Yorkers to the natural wonders of the Hudson in time for the Quadricentennial," said Grannis.
The grants are the first of dozens of projects expected to be announced over the next two years as part of the Legacy Projects portion of the Quadricentennial, which marks 400 years since Henry Hudson led a historical voyage of discovery, sailing up the river now named for him, and Samuel de Champlain's expedition to his namesake lake. Along with the grants, the state issued an updated Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda, with new objectives and strategies to address environmental conditions on the river.
The Hudson River Estuary grants fund projects from the Troy dam to New York harbor, including the watershed lands of the Hudson, its scenic landscape and its upland habitats.
"Mini" Grants For Schools, Communities
In addition, Grannis announced the "Quadricentennial Mini-Grants for Communities" program. Two hundred $1,000 grants will be awarded to schools and communities in both the Hudson Valley and the Champlain Valley to prepare for the commemoration. The grants can be used for projects, events and programs that embody the theme of "Explore 400 years of Progress in the Environment, Energy, Innovation and Education."
Examples of Estuary Grants in the Mid-Hudson area are (for complete list, go to: www.dec.ny.gov/lands/ 5091.html )
-Urban projects include two in the City of Newburgh, which will receive a grant of $63,750 to build a new fishing pier on the waterfront and another grant to support water quality demonstration projects. * The Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge project, Walkway Over the Hudson, will receive $40,000 towards restoration of a pedestrian walkway across the currently moth-balled bridge. * Scenic Hudson will receive $100,000 to create a classroom for river study to be used by the Beacon schools. * The Orange County Water Authority will receive $45,000 to address flooding, water resource monitoring and protection, recreational access and biodiversity corridors on the Moodna Creek. * The Nature Conservancy will receive $20,000 for a project that helps Hudson River municipalities adapt to changes in their communities that are expected to result from climate change and sea level rise.
The Hudson River Estuary Program is funded by annual appropriations from the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), federal funds, and other sources.
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