Press Release: New York State , September 27, 1998

Redevelop Waterfronts, Improve Water Quality, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Governor George E. Pataki today announced eight projects to be completed with $1,097,600 in Local Waterfront Revitalization and Economic Development Assistance funds to improve the economy of waterfront communities from the Village of Lake George to the Village of Rouses Point. The projects will enable communities to take advantage of tourism opportunities that incorporate the region's maritime history, scenic quality, and natural resources.

In addition, Governor Pataki also announced Environmental Protection Fund funding totaling $495,200 for four projects designed to protect the water quality of Lake George and EPF grants totaling $243,802 for recreation and tourism in Warren County.

"Lake George and Lake Champlain are unsurpassed in their natural beauty and in their historic and economic importance to communities on their shores," Governor Pataki said. "These funds will enable local economies in the Lake Champlain and Lake George region to grow and prosper while highlighting the region's rich history and protecting natural resources.

"The Lake Champlain and Lake George region's abundant natural resources and access to important waterways played a prominent role in New York's economic growth during the last century," the Governor said. "They can and will play just as important a role in New York's economic resurgence into the next century."

The projects will redevelop existing sites, leaving pristine open lands untouched. In addition, the projects will connect communities along lake shorelines and improve public access to shore activities and resources.Visitor information and interpretive facilities will also be constructed.

The total cost of the waterfront revitalization initiatives is $1,097,600. Five projects will share $975,000 in Economic Development Assistance provided by the Empire State Development Corporation. The remaining three programs will share in $122,600 in Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grants from the State Environmental Protection Fund. Each of the projects will redevelop previously developed sites, link the public to the shore and the communities together, or provide visitor information and interpretive facilities.

"Improving our infrastructure addresses quality-of-life and health issues that Governor Pataki has emphasized as top priorities," said State Senator Ronald B. Stafford. "The North Country's parks, historic sites and water sources will improve dramatically as a result of these programs, benefitting residents and visitors alike."

Assemblywoman Elizabeth Little said, "These are all worthwhile projects and it is just not possible to fund them at the local level. I have a great deal of appreciation for awarding this Bond Act money in order to complete these projects."

"The partnership between the State of New York and the Village of Lake George since the beginning of this administration has brought economic, environmental and tourist enhancements to our area," Mayor Robert M. Blais said. "It has revitalized and rejuvenated our tourist facilities. Coming off one of the most successful tourist seasons in history, our visitors and residents alike have benefitted from the Pataki administration's interests and investments in our region. It has given us, the local government, high hopes for the future of our region, and we look forward to working with this administration in the future."

Tim Burke, executive director of the Adirondack Council, said, "Tourism is the economic backbone of the Lake George-Lake Champlain region. Every hamlet will benefit from the projects announced today. Few things are more compatible with preserving the Adirondack Park than making it easier for people to enjoy its natural beauty. We are pleased to support this important initiative to improve tourism in the region."

Secretary of State Alexander Treadwell said, "Thanks to Governor Pataki, these projects will enhance the public's enjoyment of two of our state's most beautiful resources, Lake Champlain and Lake George."

Empire State Development Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "These grants reflect the leadership Governor Pataki has shown in protecting the environment and improving the economy at the same time."

To improve water quality on Lake George, the Town of Bolton will receive $98,600 for a project to construct barriers and other streambank stabilization structures to reduce pollution runoff into Finkle Brook, a major tributary of Lake George.

The Village of Lake George will receive $59,600 to construct barriers and filter basins to reduce pollution runoff into West Brook, a tributary of Lake George. The town of Lake George, on behalf of all municipalities surrounding the lake, will receive two grants totaling $337,000 to continue public education programs and identify and design future priority water quality projects.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner John P. Cahill said, "These grants will help the waterfront communities of two great lakes prosper economically by protecting the water resources that draw tourists from around the nation to this region. I am particularly pleased that funding is being provided, which will identify the lake's most pressing water quality needs."

To support for recreation and tourism in Warren County, Governor Pataki announced EPF grants totaling $243,802. The town of Johnsburg, on behalf of all Warren County towns along the Hudson River, will receive $27,500 for a redevelopment strategy to complement a proposed excursion railroad. The town of Warrensburg will receive $25,000 to expand outdoor recreation facilities, and the Hyde Collection, an important tourist destination, will receive $191,302 for restoration work on its historic buildings.

"These Bond Act funds are being used wisely under Governor Pataki's leadership to improve waterfronts and the quality of water throughout New York," said State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro. "Nowhere will it be more beneficial than in this lovely resort of Lake George." Visitor Information/Interpretive Facilities

The project will complete visitor information and interpretive facilities along the Lake Champlain and Lake George shorelines. Facilities will be located at Rouses Point, Plattsburgh, Willsboro, Essex, Westport, Port Henry, Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Whitehall, Hague, Bolton Landing and Lake George Village.

Completion of this system will build upon and be coordinated with a number of existing heritage and tourism efforts, including the Champlain Valley Heritage Network, the Lake Champlain Bikeways Program, the Scenic Byways Program, and tourism promotion agencies. The project will support and unify various individual efforts aimed at promoting tourism and the region's historic, cultural, recreational, and natural resources.

Through exhibits, kiosks, brochures, and other means, information will be provided about each community, as well as the region's tourist destinations and businesses. The information will elevate public awareness of the importance of the natural, recreational, cultural, historic and economic resources of Lakes George and Champlain. Interpreting the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region's waterfronts, and fostering a greater appreciation of their contributions will benefit people's understanding of the Lakes' significance and opportunities for appropriate economic growth.

Recipient: Lake Placid - Essex County Visitors Bureau, on behalf of the Lake Champlain/Lake George region.

Rouses Point Waterfront Park/Interpretive Walk

The public park and boating facility along Montgomery Street will be rehabilitated, together with related pedestrian enhancements. The facility is heavily used by the public, but deteriorated. An interpretive walkway will be developed along a 600 ft. length of Montgomery Street. Improvements will include sidewalk enhancements and the installation of lighting and interpretive displays related to the Village's waterfront heritage.

Essex Hamlet Visitor Information/Interpretive Center

To accommodate existing and anticipated tourism, associated in part with the Essex-Charlotte Ferry, a visitor information and interpretive center, public restrooms and parking on a parcel adjacent to the ferry landing, known as the Norma Jackson site, will be constructed.

Essex Hamlet Infrastructure Needs

The impacts of a growing tourism economy on this historic hamlet will be evaluated using a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Environmental Protection Fund grant. Appropriate local land use controls will be developed and additional infrastructure needs evaluated to ensure growth can be accommodated while community character is enhanced.

Cross-lake Ferry

The project will re-establish cross-lake pedestrian ferry service between Chimney Point, Vermont and New York's Lake Champlain shoreline. The service will be provided using a replica of a wooden sailing vessel once used to provide this service. The 45 ft. long vessel will be constructed at a site within Essex County. It will be operated by the Lake Placid- Essex County Visitor's Bureau. The grant will also be used for construction of necessary shoreline improvements in New York to accommodate the ferry. The replica vessel will be built so the public will be able to view and participate in all aspects of this historic vessel's reconstruction.

Port Henry Sewer and Water Infrastructure Extension

Sewer and water services will be extended to the north end of Port Henry's waterfront to protect water quality and support the upgrade of recreational facilities on Lake Champlain. This water and sewer service extension will enable the Town of Moriah to secure $400,000 in federal funds for public campground improvements.

Ticonderoga Heritage Museum Restoration and Expansion

Rehabilitation of the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum, located in the former International Paper Company office building along Montcalm Street in Ticonderoga will be completed to accommodate an expanded visitor information and interpretive center. The focus of the museum is the community's industrial heritage, noted for its paper and pencil production facilities. Restoration of the museum building was initiated several years ago and funds will be used to complete needed structural rehabilitation and exhibits as part of the new Lake Champlain/Lake George tourism information system.

Lake George Village Canada Street Improvements

Using a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Environmental Protection Fund grant, design and construction bid documents will be prepared for streetscape enhancements to the west side of Canada Street from McGillis Avenue to the high school. This will enable completion of the new streetscape and connection of the Village's commercial center with the lakefront, begun with a 1995 Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Environmental Protection Fund grant.

Lake George restoration and protection program

The project will include three inter-related planning and educational components aimed at protecting and improving lake-wide water quality. Stormwater mitigation plans would be completed for Smith Brook and Prospect Mountain Brook, where road runoff and stream bank erosion along these tributary streams are degrading lake water quality. The Lake Saver Program, an educational program of the Lake George Association for advising shoreline property owners on suggested improvements to reduce runoff entering the lake, will also be continued. Finally, plans would be prepared for the removal of four siltation deltas which have formed along the shoreline as a result of upland erosion.

West Brook Stormwater project

The project will install asphalt wing curb barriers, drywell infiltration basins, and perforated stormsewers to reduce runoff entering Lake George from West Brook, a tributary stream. West Brook is listed as "precluded" on the 1996 Priority Waterbodies List due to sand and silt deposition from nonpoint source runoff.

Finkle brook stormwater project

The project will install asphalt wing curb barriers, stone-lined ditches, and drywells to reduce roadway runoff into Finkle Brook, a major tributary to Lake George. Streambanks will be lined with vegetation and rock, and upland infiltration structures will be constructed. Finkle Brook is listed as "impaired" on the 1996 Priority Waterbodies List due to sand and silt deposition from nonpoint source runoff.

Lake George water quality priorities

The project will serve as a collaborative effort between municipalities, counties, state agencies, and local organizations to review and reach consensus on priority projects for improving lake water quality. The project will also encourage participation of all interests and promote an understanding of problems and actions needed to continue Lake George improvements.

Northern Hudson River Intermunicipal Redevelopment Strategy

The project will analyze the economic development potential at numerous sites along a proposed Hudson River excursion railroad within Warren County. The proposed rail service would focus on tourist excursions from Saratoga to North Creek along an existing unused rail line. The projects identified through this strategy would range from interpretive facilities to the restoration of historic structures for commercial uses.

The Town will undertake this project in cooperation with Warren County and other communities along the rail corridor, including the Towns of Lake Luzerne, Stony Creek, Thurman, Warrensburg, and Chester. The County and the towns have already entered into an agreement to acquire the rail line for this purpose and a federal commitment of $14 million obtained by Congressman Solomon was previously announced for the improvement of rail service between Saratoga and North Creek.

Hyde Collection Museum Restoration

The project will support restoration of the historic Hyde House and the adjacent Cunningham House, which collectively serve as the Hyde Collection, an art museum located along Warren Street in Glens Falls. The structures were built in 1912 and the Hyde Collection was established as a museum in 1952. Improvements will include restoration of the exterior of both buildings through the repair and replacement of deteriorated masonry, wood trim, iron grillwork, foundations, and stone walls.

Warrensburg Recreation Field

The project will expand outdoor recreation opportunities at Warrensburg Recreation Field, a town park located along Library Avenue in the Town of Warrensburg. Improvements will include development of a picnic/ice skating/roller blade pavilion, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, resurfacing of the basketball court, renovation of the restroom building, and landscaping. The project will help meet a growing demand for a greater variety of recreational opportunities within the Town.