Press Release: NYS, July 26, 2004

Governor George E. Pataki today announced nearly $2.7 million in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants for 24 recreation, waterfront revitalization and historic preservation projects in the Finger Lakes, Central New York and the Southern Tier. Included is a $250,000 grant for the development of Castle Creek Park near the Seneca Lake waterfront in the City of Geneva.

"As a result of our ongoing efforts, communities across New York are recognizing the value and potential of their local resources, including historic sites, open space and waterfront areas," Governor Pataki said. "These grants will help municipalities like Geneva move forward with projects that showcase the natural beauty and cultural treasures that have always defined the character of the region.

"We're proud of our efforts and look forward to strengthening our partnerships with local officials and community groups to promote the magnificent natural and cultural resources in the heart of the Empire State and improve the quality of life for local residents."

The EPF award for Geneva will support the creation of a one-acre site for Castle Creek Park that will include walkways, landscaping and passive recreation. The park will connect the City's central business district with the 60-acre Geneva Lakefront, a recreational facility that is part of the New York State Canal System and adjacent to Seneca Lake State Park. The development of the Castle Creek Park is a major component of the City's $6.6 million Lake and Exchange Street Redevelopment Program to revitalize a two block commercial area.

Senator Michael F. Nozzolio said, "Castle Creek Park is just one of the many projects helping the City of Geneva create jobs. This significant grant underscores Governor Pataki's continued commitment to the Finger Lakes' economy. The complete revitalization of the downtown neighborhood will help continue Geneva's renaissance and make the City the 'Gateway to the Finger Lakes.'"

Assemblyman Brian Kolb said, "Preserving the environmental features in Geneva is one of our main goals. Being able to stimulate progress, economic growth and new jobs, and balance that initiative with protecting the natural beauty that is the Finger Lakes region, will take planning and forethought from all of us. I am so pleased to see this grant for Castle Creek Park, thus ensuring its natural beauty for years to come, and I would like to extend my thanks to Governor Pataki for all he has done and continues to do for our great State."

City of Geneva Mayor Donald H. Cass said, "Governor Pataki has once again demonstrated his commitment to the City of Geneva's economic resurgence by providing us with this grant. Proceeds will be used to support the creation of Castle Creek Park, which will include walkways, landscaping and passive recreation on a site that once was an old gas station. Governor Pataki's assistance will enable us to connect our City's central business district with our beautiful lakefront as well as with the New York State Canal System and Seneca Lake State Park. We have had a vision of what this area would like and Governor Pataki's assistance is making that vision a reality."

Carmen Orlando, Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors, said, "This is an excellent opportunity for Geneva to expand its desire to become the Gateway to the Finger Lakes. This will be a good economic boost for Geneva as well as the rest of Ontario County which will benefit from Geneva's revitalization. Governor Pataki is again commended for his continued support of these types of projects especially to the City as well as the County of Ontario."

Castle Creek Park is the featured component of the south block of the Lake and Exchange Street redevelopment site. Demolition of the existing properties on the property will expose the underground Castle Creek which currently flows in a culvert under a dilapidated building. The uncovered and improved creek will be the major focus of the new park which will also provide park users views of the Geneva lakefront and extend a greenbelt to the nearby State park.

Commissioner Bernadette Castro of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said, "Through the Environmental Protection Fund, Governor Pataki has once again demonstrated a steadfast commitment to preserving the Empire State's diverse outdoor resources and remarkable historic landmarks. By expanding public recreation and access to new parklands, reinvigorating waterfronts and restoring our historic treasures, we are improving communities for the benefit of all New Yorkers."

Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels, who oversees the Department of State's (DOS) Division of Coastal Resources, said, "Governor Pataki has provided invaluable assistance to local communities for projects that will have long term economic, environmental and cultural benefits. Many communities have exciting ideas to rejuvenate their waterfronts and downtown areas, and we will continue to work closely with them so these visions will be achieved."

The Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources administers EPF matching grants to local governments for the preparation and implementation of Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRPs) and inter municipal water body management plans, development of coastal education programs, creation of blueway trails and urban waterfront redevelopment. Since 1995, more than $58 million has been awarded through 621 LWRP grants for waterfront projects.

During that same time, Governor Pataki has also committed nearly $120 million in EPF, Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund support administered by State Parks toward more than 900 local open space, recreation and historic preservation grants to communities across New York State.

A list of additional projects receiving EPF funding follows:

Cayuga County

Canal Society of New York State, Inc.
$250,000
The project will rehabilitate the Erie House, mule barn and blacksmith shop, all National Register structures within the Erie Canal Lock 52 complex.

Seneca County
Waterloo Library and Historical Society
$165,772
The project will replace the failing 120-year-old slate roof of the Waterloo Library in the Village of Waterloo.

First United Methodist Church of Seneca Falls
$77,500
The project will restore and preserve the 132-year-old First United Methodist Church located in the Village of Seneca Falls Heritage Area.
Work to be performed includes roof repair, masonry improvement and carpentry enhancements.

Village of Seneca Falls
$31,721
The project will provide improved streetscape for residents and visitors within the Seneca Falls Heritage Area.

Broome County

City of Binghamton
250,000
The City will complete design and construction work for its Chenango River Promenade, including a new stage and amphitheater, landscaping, street furniture, and a pedestrian/bike trail.

The Goodwill Theatre, Inc.
$225,000
The Theatre will acquire two historic structures in the Village of Johnson City for adaptive reuse as part of the Goodwill's Performing Arts Complex.

Cortland County

Village of Marathon
$60,000
The Village will implement the Tioughnioga River Trail Study by constructing a public access area in the Village's municipal park that will include a canoe launch site, dock, parking area and picnic tables.

Onondaga County

Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre
$114,000
This project supports the ongoing restoration and improvement of the historic Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse.

Erie Canal Museum
$77,400
Outdoor interpretive signage and direction to the museum will be installed along exposed canal walls in Clinton Square Park.
Town of Clay
$50,000
The Town will prepare a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for 25.8 miles of shoreline along the New York State Canal System and the Seneca, Oneida and Oswego rivers.

Madison County

Great Swamp Conservancy, Inc.
$13,500
The Conservancy will acquire property to extend the existing nature trail system, as well as to create a buffer between its nature center and a planned residential development.

Oswego County

City of Oswego
$200,000 (2 projects)
The City will develop a public park at an abandoned industrial and railroad site as part of an effort to create a new link between the City's land-based pedestrian trail system and the canal water trail system.
The City also will continue the development of the west bank of the Oswego River, including the replacement of the dock and dock fingers at Wright's Landing Marina Complex.

Oswego School District Public Library
$225,000
The Library Board of Trustees will undertake critical exterior masonry and structural repairs for the State's oldest public library operating in its original building.

Village of Cleveland
$12,500
The Village will complete a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for the north shore of Oneida Lake.

Oneida County

City of Rome
$100,000
The City will advance planning and implementation of its draft Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and draft Comprehensive Plan, including work on Bellamy Harbor Park, possible relocation of the Department of Public Works facility on the Mohawk River waterfront, and reuse planning for the Rod Mill brownfield property on the Erie Canal waterfront.

City of Utica
$50,000
The City will prepare a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to complement and incorporate interim plans for its waterfront, including the Harbor Point Redevelopment Framework and Utica Marsh Conservation Plan.

Oneida, Hamilton, and Herkimer counties

Town of Forestport (Oneida County)
$50,000
The Town, in partnership with the towns of Inlet (Hamilton County) and Webb (Herkimer County), will complete a revitalization strategy for the Route 28 corridor.

Onondaga, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Oswego and Cortland counties

Town of Cicero
$50,000
The Town, in coordination with the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, will complete planning for the six-county Oneida Lake and Watershed Management Plan.

Steuben County

City of Hornell
$250,000
The grant will create more greenspace within the City and support development of the Shawmut Park and Trail.

Tioga County

Village of Waverly
$32,160
The Village will renovate its Village Hall, constructed in 1889 and recently placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Tompkins County

City of Ithaca
$115,610 (2 projects)
The City will complete planning and design work for Phase 3 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail.

The City will acquire three properties along the Six Mile Creek gorge to expand recreational opportunities and protect the watershed.