Press Release: NYS, May 31, 2000

Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced receipt of the long-awaited federal permit for the five-mile Hudson River Park project, clearing the final hurdle for construction of the park's many public recreation piers and docks.

"The Hudson River is a magnificent national treasure that continues to make a dramatic comeback," Governor Pataki said. "As we continue our efforts to restore the Hudson River, we must also continue to provide the people of New York with the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful resource.

This park will ensure that the Hudson River is part of our everyday lives, not just as that waterway we see from the car but as a source of family fun, economic opportunity and inspiration," the Governor said The Hudson River Park will allow New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the Hudson River from Battery Park City to West 59th Street, providing a boost to tourism and the city's economy, while continuing to protect the Rivers's aquatic environment."

Mayor Giuliani said, "The west side of Manhattan along with the rest of the city has been looking forward to this park for a very long time. It is a great achievement for the city and state to finally reach this occasion. From here we look forward to working together with the Hudson River Park Trust to build a fantastic new park for all New Yorkers to enjoy."

Hudson River Park is a partnership between New York State and City, and is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Governor, Mayor and Manhattan Borough President. Created by New York State legislation in 1998, the park spans the waterfront area between Battery Park and 59th Street. Now that the final permit has been received, the Hudson River Park Trust can begin building this newest and most significant park to grace New York City since the creation of Central Park in the last century.

James A. Ortenzio said, "As a Greenwich Village resident, as well as the Chairperson of the Hudson River Trust, it gives me great pleasure to learn of this approval. It is a tremendous honor to reopen New York to its birthright the Hudson River, and a privilege to return the open space and beauty of this American Heritage River to New Yorkers, young and old."

The Hudson River Park Trust's President, Robert P. Balachandran, said, "The Hudson River Park Trust has been working tirelessly towards this goal and will continue to do so until the park is finished. We are all extremely excited and now look forward to the next challenge which is putting this plan into action. For the next few years, our top priority will be constructing our new park."

In March 1998, the Hudson River Park Trust submitted a permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for approval to repair or replace many of the park's "in-water" features, including the historic bulkhead, piers and reliving platforms. Most of the park's proposed public piers are currently either fully or partially condemned. Without the Army Corps permit to repair the historic bulkhead and reconstruct/repair the piers, the park would be limited to the narrow "dry land" area between Route 9A and historic bulkhead.

Hudson River Park will eventually encompass 13 piers dedicated to public recreation and a continuous waterside esplanade. The park will add more than 550 acres of open space to New York City and will feature multiple opportunities for recreation and education, including town docks, a river research center, kayak launches, ballfields and concession stands offering bicycle and beach chair rentals.

The Army Corps permit was the last approval necessary before the park's 13 planned public piers and continuous waterside esplanade can be constructed. The project has already received all other required permits and certifications from the City and State.