Governor George E. Pataki today announced that 12 conservation, recreation and open space projects in New York State will share nearly $1.9 million from "state-side" Land and Water Conservation Funds(LWCF). This is the first time since 1995 that Congress has appropriated funds for this important recreation and conservation program.

"This funding is the direct result of months of hard work by members of our Empire State Task Force for Land and Water Conservation Funding. Many New York communities will benefit from this important program,"Governor Pataki said. "Our New York Congressional Delegation should be applauded for their unanimous support for 'state-side' LWCF funding. However, this is just the beginning. We will continue to work in Washington to encourage Congress to fully fund 'state-side' LWCF at its statutorily authorized level."

In April of 1998, Governor Pataki created the Empire State Task Force for Land and Water Conservation Funding in an effort to educate the public regarding the importance of this program and to support Congressional efforts to reestablish "state-side" funding. Governor Pataki appointed Bernadette Castro, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and John P. Cahill, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, to co-chair the newly created task force.

The task force also consisted of many environmental, municipal, business, recreational and community groups who mobilized their members to lobby Congress tirelessly through office visits, letters, phone calls, meetings and press releases. In January 1999, the Governor's task force sponsored a one-day conference in Albany to update all task force participants and interested groups on the importance of this issue and discuss ways on how to encourage Congress to restore "state-side" funding of the LWCF. After lobbying House and Senate leadership and members for several months, Congress, in September 1999, authorized $40 million in "state-side" funding of the LWCF. New York's share is approximately $1.9 million.

U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds said, "This program is important not just for environmental conservation, but for improving the public's access to outdoor recreation. I'm pleased that we were able to ensure that New York receives its fair share of these federal resources."

U.S. Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman said, "All of the residents of my Congressional District owe a great debt of gratitude both to Governor Pataki and his Empire State Task Force for recognizing the importance of two sites in our district . Bear Mountain State Park has been a gateway to the majesty of both our Hudson River and our wilderness for many years. The Bart Bull Farm in Orange County is a window to colonial life in New York. Both are the types of projects that we in Congress visualized when we appropriated these funds, and we thank Governor Pataki and his Task Force for carrying out our dreams."

U.S. Rep. John McHugh said, "I am delighted to learn of Governor Pataki's intention to pursue this project. It is a welcome investment in one of our region's natural resources. Oswego residents, visitors, and businesses will reap the tourism and recreational benefits associated with this project for many years to come."

U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly said, "Land conservation is one of the most important environmental issues facing the Hudson Valley. I commend Governor Pataki for his leadership in creating the task force. Residents of my district will benefit greatly from this effort to preserve the Hudson Valley's natural heritage and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the New York delegation to ensure that land conservation efforts in New York receive this vital funding in the future."

U.S. Rep. Rick Lazio said, "This funding for Robert Moses State Park will enhance the educational and recreational experience for three million visitors every year. Governor Pataki and the Task Force for Land and Water Conservation Funding should be commended for their hard work to ensure that New Yorkers can continue to enjoy their parks and outdoor spaces."

Theodore Roosevelt IV, Chairman of the League of Conservation Voters and member of the Governor's Task Force said, "I would like thank each and every member of Congress who supported this effort, but at the same time remind them that we still have a way to go to ensure that funding for this valuable conservation program becomes permanent. I would also like to thank the Governor for his leadership and look forward to continuing our efforts in Washington on this important issue."

Of the 12 selected projects, five are local projects and seven are state projects. The local projects will share $1.185 million to help rehabilitate two village parks and a village pool and acquire two important properties for recreational and open space use. The state projects will share nearly $700,000 to help upgrade, rehabilitate and improve aspects of six existing state parks and to acquire DEC trail-use land.

Created in1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund was a commitment by Congress to share the revenues from the coastal non-renewable resources with the state and local governments for the establishment of permanent recreational facilities. This dedicated fund is authorized to provide up to $900 million annually from offshore oil and gas leases to be split between "state- side" grants-in-aid and the federal government.

Between 1965 and 1995, New York State received nearly $200 million for recreational development, recreational renovation, land acquisition and planning, but just $8 million within the past decade. At its peak of funding in 1979, New York received about $24 million in LWCF dollars. Virtually every community in New York State has acquired and/or developed outdoor recreational facilities with the help of the LWCF.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner John Cahill said, "Thanks to Governor Pataki's leadership and the hard work of New York's Congressional delegation, the State was able to secure new funding for important land acquisition and water protection efforts. These new funds will complement the extensive land conservation and environmental protection projects Governor Pataki has long supported through New York State's Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and Environmental Protection Fund."

Secretary of State Alexander F. Treadwell said, Thanks to Governor Pataki and the efforts of his task force, the projects funded through the renewed Land and Water Conservation Fund will increase local government's ability to provide public access to and enjoyment of new recreational facilities in New York State."

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "I am so pleased that we are about to witness the results of many months of hard work. Governor Pataki is the reason that "state-side" money of the LWCF is again being directed to New York. It is through his leadership that the task force was started and proved so successful. So many communities will benefit from these grants and I know that all of the members of the task force share in this wonderful news!"

These projects will now be forwarded to the National Park Service for approval.

Land and Water Conservation Projects

Niagara Reservation, Gorge View Trail, $200,000 This eco-tourism project would improve and expand public access to the Niagara River Gorge. A trail system will be constructed along the river from the base of the American Falls to the Whirlpool rapids affording the visitor a close-up and personal experience. Portions of the trail will be constructed along the historic abandoned Old Gorge Railway alignment. This phase of the project will construct the portion from the base of the falls north approximately 5,000 feet.

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, Construct Campground Shower Building and Rehabilitate Existing Comfort Station, $126,700 The project consists of constructing a new, centrally located shower building within the existing campground, renovating the existing CCC comfort station to support increased recreational uses of the campground, and the construction of ADA compliant campsites. Renovation of the CCC structure will comply with Historic Preservation standards for rehabilitation. The infrastructure needed to support the campground is currently in place.

Silver Lake State Park, Provide Comfort Station/Sanitary Facilities, $54,324 This project will provide a comfort station and a tie-in to a local sewer district for sanitary disposal. It will also provide the rehabilitation of existing wells and appropriate associated plumbing infrastructure to the comfort station. Silver Lake State Park has an active day use population which has greatly increased in the past two years due to the development of a small boat launch, lakefront path and benches and fishing access improvements which were completed in 1998. These improvements were completed via a partnership with private industry, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Bear Mountain State Park, Water Access Facility, $108,648 The project consists of repairs to the seawall, landscape improvements and rehabilitation of the comfort station. The 800- foot long seawall will receive repairs to prevent further washouts in back of the retaining wall that supports the picnic area. The existing comfort station will be completely rehabilitated to provide a clean, safe facility to the 120,000 visitors per year. A new sewage line will be installed to connect the comfort station to the existing park central sewage system. Landscaping and new picnicking equipment will complete the revitalization project.

Robert Moses State Park, Long Island, Hawk Watch Platform, $7,340 The boardwalk at Robert Moses State Park provides a safe means of viewing the unique habitats of the dune ecology without damage to the fragile dunes. The viewing of raptors in the area is a popular pastime for many of the 3 million visitors that visit the park each year. The construction of the hawk watch platform at the boardwalk will become the focal point for elementary schools coming to Robert Moses State Park for environmental education programs. Youth organizations, including scouts, will have a place to complete their requirements for bird and wildlife badges and certificates. The platform will provide a safe place for birders and members of environmental organizations to observe native and migrating birds and monarch butterflies.

Jones Beach State Park, Nature Center Boardwalk, $108,648 The boardwalk at Jones Beach Nature Center will provide a safe means of accessing the fragile dune area for environmental education. Interpretive signs will foster stewardship for the marine environment by educating the public about the native plants and wildlife that live in the beach environment. Location of the 1,700-foot boardwalk will be coordinated with representatives from such organizations as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Audubon Society and local organizations to assure that there will not be any impact on the environment. The nature center and boardwalk are projects that are being partnered with companies such as Ford Motor Company and Long Island Power Authority to provide environmental education opportunities at Jones Beach State Park.

Long Path Acquisition, Parcels in Greene County, $90,500 The Long Path is a trail corridor of statewide significance extending from New York City to Albany County. The parcels to be acquired under the grant are located in Greene County. The 1998 State Open Space Conservation Plan lists the acquisition of parcels to extend the Long Path as one of 131 priority projects. This acquisition will help to secure and protect a permanent trail corridor.

Village of Vernon, Bartholomew Park, $100,000 This project will redevelop and expand Bartholomew Park in the Village of Vernon. This park is the only recreational facility in the Village, and is in need of improvements to serve the basic recreational needs of the Village. Work will include the development of two baseball fields, two tennis courts, refurbishing of a basketball court and improvements and development of walkways and handicap accessibility.

County of Orange, Bart Bull Farm Fee Acquisition, $307,500 This project will acquire and preserve 113.8 acres of farmlands and a 1780 brick house. The site boasts approximately 4,000 feet of Wallkill River frontage, which would be protected for hiking, nature trails, fishing, boating and habitat preservation.

Town of Oswego, Acquisition of 44 Acres of Lake Ontario Shoreline, $378,300 The Town of Oswego will acquire a 44.25-acre parcel of land, which is located along 1800 feet of Lake Ontario Shoreline. This acquisition will enable the development of a recreational facility that would provide Oswego Town residents with access to Lake Ontario. The parcel directly abuts Camp Hollis, a county- owned children's residential camp facility, and is within 1500 feet of a protected preserve, Snake Swamp.

Village of Owego, Restoration of Swimming Pool, $232,000 The Village of Owego will renovate its badly deteriorated outdoor swimming pool in Tioga County, serving the residents of the Village of Owego and the towns of Owego, Tioga, Nicholas, Candor and Newark Valley. There are no outdoor public swimming facilities, either man-made or on the Susquehanna River, or any other natural water resources in the County. The existing pool is badly deteriorating requiring repairs to meet New York State Department of Health requirements to reopen the pool, which has been closed since 1996.

City of Glens Falls, Rehabilitation and Improvement of Beach, Ball Field, Roads and Trails, Construction of New Bath House at Haviland Cove Park, $167,500 The City of Glens Falls will improve direct access to the Hudson River and improve this beach, waterfront and recreation area at its only city park with waterfront access: Haviland's Cove Park. Last upgraded in the early 1980s, the park is scheduled to undergo rehabilitation and improvement which will include in this project: 1) complete demolition of the park's existing bath house and construction of a new one; 2) dredging of its swimming area and restoration of its beach to original size; 3) installation of beach front erosion control; 4) grading, widening and resurfacing of the park's road and pathway systems; 5) resurfacing of its baseball infield; 6) installation of new playground equipment and 7) improvement of public access from bathhouse to pavilion.