Press Release: NYS, March 21, 2000

Governor George E. Pataki and Lieutenant Governor Mary O. Donohue today announced two projects in Albany and Troy designed to encourage more Capital District residents to take advantage of the Hudson River.

"The Hudson River is a vital natural resource, teaming with life and offering endless opportunities for recreation," Governor Pataki said. "Personally, I enjoy jogging along the path in the Corning Preserve. But whether you fish, boat, bike, jog or stroll along its banks, the Hudson River offers families a wonderful place to enjoy outdoors New York just minutes from their homes or jobs.

"These projects will make it even easier for Capital District residents to rediscover the Hudson River, which for many too often is simply the water you drive over on one of the many bridges," the Governor said. "As more people come back to the river, we can help the riverfront economy while encouraging a new generation of environmental stewards to support on our ongoing effort to restore the Hudson River."

The projects include $985,420 toward the effort to connect downtown Albany with the Corning Preserve over I-787 with a pedestrian walkway and $1,643,500 project to create a pedestrian and bicycle trail in Troy.

Lieutenant Governor Mary O. Donohue said, "Governor Pataki and I are working hard across the state to help promote and upgrade waterfront recreation areas within our cities. Today's announcement will help enhance and improve both public access and use along the waterfront in Albany and Troy and give our children and families improved access along the Hudson River."

Details of the projects are as follows:

Albany Waterfront Intermodal Enhancement Project City of Albany: $985,420

This project will construct a ramp connecting the I-787 pedestrian bridge to a 300 foot long pedestrian promenade (also to be constructed under this project) and the bicycle path along the Hudson River. This project will relocate and widen a 2,600 foot section of the existing bike path, and develop a welcome center and a small bus turnaround area and shelter.

The project will connect the riverfront to downtown Albany via a pedestrian bridge that will tie to a new parking garage in the downtown area. Also, its provision of a bus drop-off and turnaround area is a unique way of enhancing both the use of the riverfront by people who do not have cars and intermodal travel in general.

This Project will enhance use of the riverfront by city residents, downtown workers and tourists, improve connections to the Hudson section of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, and preserve and promote the city's waterfront area. It will also reduce motor vehicle travel for access to the waterfront.

Troy Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail City of Troy: $1,643,500 Using a combination of primarily off-road facilities through private land (with easements acquired) and on-road facilities, this project will create a nearly 6-mile cycling and hiking route along the Hudson River waterfront connecting the South Troy and Lansingburgh neighborhoods. The route would offer waterfront access, access to historic and cultural sites and a comfortable alternative to city streets for bike/ pedestrian transportation.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, "The new pedestrian and bike trail will give Capital Region residents a unique opportunity to enjoy the Hudson River waterfront, as well as all the historic and cultural sties along the route. This initiative will complement other waterfront revitalization projects that are taking place along the east side of the river in Troy, Lansingburgh and Rensselaer, including waterfront parts and new boat launches that will boost tourism, recreation and the local economy."

Assembly Minority Leader John J. Faso said, "I am pleased that Governor Pataki is again taking the lead to improve access to scenic areas in the Capital District. Our local tourism industry and the people it employs will greatly benefit from Governor Pataki's actions."

Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari said, "This trail system has the ability to fully integrate the Hudson River with community life. It is important that we do all that we can to enhance public access and I appreciate the bipartisan support given these vital waterfront recreation projects. This funding is a great boost to efforts that are underway in Albany and Troy to implement plans to utilize their tremendous waterfront resources."

Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings said, "I thank the Governor and our legislative leaders for recognizing the critical importance of enhancing our natural resources to promote intermodal use of the Hudson River waterfront. Pedestrian access to the riverfront and development of the riverfront itself is tremendously important to the future of Albany. It will serve to further stimulate the revitalization of downtown Albany that is already underway."

Troy Mayor Mark P. Pattison said, "Troy was born because of its strategic location as the last navigable port on the Hudson River. We have come once again to realize the value of our waterfront to our economic vitality and quality of life. We appreciate the Governor's, Lt. Governor's and Senator Bruno's efforts to further energize Troy's revitalization with this investment in our waterfront."

State Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "The Governor's economic development policies and environmental leadership has resulted in more and more people looking to visit New York's recreational and downtown areas. These community-based projects will enhance access to the state's natural resources while promoting economic development."

The funds are from the federal Transportation Enhancement Program. Additional project awards are expected under this program.

The projects were selected through a process that included priority rankings made by local officials and a statewide Transportation Enhancement Advisory Committee that included representatives from the New York State Association of Counties; the National Audubon Society; the Environmental Defense Fund; the New York State Board for Historic Preservation; the Empire State Development Corporation; the State Department of State; the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The lease and gross income payments will be used for airport purposes, including the construction of a new on-airport roadway between Drury Lane and the Stewart Airport passenger terminal.