Press Release: NYS, July 15, 2004

Governor George E. Pataki today announced $2 million from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to address pollution from combined municipal and storm sewers and improve water quality in the Hudson River. The $2 million will be used to fund a collaborative effort among 6 riverfront communities and the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC) that will help achieve the Governor's goal of making the entire length of the Hudson River swimmable by 2009.

The Governor also announced today $1,347,000 in Environmental Protection Fund grants for six open space, recreation and historic preservation projects in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Columbia counties. The grants include a $195,000 grant to develop parkland and trails along the Hudson River in the city of Troy to increase public access to the waterfront, as well as $350,000 for the restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; $27,000 to paint the historic naval ship, the USS Slater; and a $350,000 grant for enhancements to the famed Proctor's Theater in downtown Schenectady.

Later today, the Governor will participate in the final leg of the 4th Annual Great Hudson River Paddle, a 146 mile ten-day journey that began in Albany on Tuesday, July 6th and concludes today at the Downtown Boathouse, located at Hudson River Park's Pier 26 in New York City. The Paddle is a nationally recognized event that celebrates the diversity and heritage of the riverside communities of the Hudson River Valley, the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, and the improvement of public access to the Hudson River.

"Bringing together communities along the Hudson River is essential to help make the River even cleaner and ensure the continued resurgence of this majestic waterway," Governor Pataki said. "It's imperative that we address pollution in this area of the River in order to restore water quality, protect habitat and improve the quality of life of residents in communities all along the Hudson River. I applaud the municipalities involved in this historic and collaborative effort which will bring us closer to our goal of a swimmable Hudson River by 2009.

"In addition, these EPF grants will allow us to continue our efforts to work with local communities to protect and restore our precious natural and cultural resources, expand public access to the river and safeguard local treasures for future generations," the Governor said.

In his 2004 State of the State Address, Governor Pataki committed to making the Hudson River swimmable from its headwaters in the Adirondacks to New York City by 2009 - the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage up the river.

The $2 million grant will enable the riverfront communities of Albany, Cohoes, Green Island, Rensselaer, Troy and Watervliet, working with the CDRPC, to develop the first phase of a long-term plan to control Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) which contribute pollutants and impair water quality in the River, particularly during heavy rain storms. During Phase I, the CDRPC and the six communities will conduct a comprehensive inventory of discharge points, examine correlations between rainfall records and water quality, and develop and implement a monitoring program that measures the frequency, duration, flow rate, volume, and pollutant concentration of CSOs and their impact on receiving waters.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, "The Hudson River has played a critical role in the history and development of New York State and nowhere is that more evident than in the historic city of Troy. These much needed funds will allow communities along the Hudson to collaborate restoration efforts, increase public access along the riverfront and improve the quality of life for residents in the Capital Region. I applaud Governor Pataki's outstanding commitment to preserving and enhancing this beautiful treasure."

Senator Hugh T. Farley said, "This is wonderful news for Proctor's, and continues the momentum of local fundraising and legislative grants for the theatre's ambitious expansion project. I commend Governor Pataki for his strong and constant support of downtown Schenectady."

Senator Steve Saland said, "Governor Pataki's decision to provide funding to the Shaker Museum and Library is very good news for Columbia County. We are able to move forward with our efforts to preserve this important part of Shaker history. The stabilization of the North Family Shaker Great Stone Barn will ensure that future generations are able to appreciate this historical treasure."

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco said, "Today's announcement of over $1.3 million in Environmental Protection Fund grants to the Capital Region is welcome news to our local communities. The funding for Proctor's Theatre is an important piece of the puzzle that will fit nicely into the economic, historic and cultural revitalization of Schenectady. I commend Governor Pataki for once again coming through for the City of Schenectady."

Assemblyman Paul Tonko said, "Proctors' comprehensive plan for revitalizing Schenectady's arts and entertainment district is the cornerstone of the city's downtown revitalization efforts. I applaud EPF for joining the Assembly Majority in its commitment to this important project and look forward to an even greater financial commitment from the State for this historic, regional asset."

Assemblyman Ron Canestrari said, "These projects are varied and diverse and are representative of the need to improve our environment and quality of life on many fronts. It's all about ensuring that our environment is improved for the next generation of New Yorkers."

Assemblyman Jack McEneny said, "We enrich ourselves as a State and a society when we invest in our shared heritage - whether it is riverfront access in Troy or preservation and restoration of major landmarks and attractions such as our cathedrals and the U.S.S. Slater. I applaud these awards from the State's Environmental Protection Fund."

Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings said, "The Hudson River grants announced by the Governor today will help us to continue our important ongoing work of waterfront revitalization in Albany. The USS Slater, the only World War II destroyer escort still afloat in America, attracts more than 16,000 visitors each year, and is a key component of Albany's waterfront plan. We greatly appreciate the Governor's support and encouragement as we move ahead in our efforts to transform Albany's waterfront into a vibrant and attractive venue."

Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino said, "Being the historic natural resource it is, the Hudson River is counted among the greatest assets in Rensselaer County for many reasons. We are excited about seeing improved water quality in the Hudson River and increased public access points and recreational opportunities along the Rensselaer County riverfront. I thank Governor Pataki for his continued support of riverfront projects in all of our communities, with the most recent example being the expansion of the multi-purpose recreational project in the North Central neighborhood."

Harry Tutunjian, Mayor of the City of Troy said, "Troy is blessed with unobstructed access to the Hudson River, this funding will enable us to begin converting a former junkyard into a riverfront park with a boat launch and fishing area. With the continued leadership of Governor Pataki and support of Commissioner Crotty, Troy will become a showplace of redevelopment opportunities that exist along the length of the majestic Hudson River. Providing access to the Hudson River for residents and visitors alike will spur new economic development in the North Central neighborhoods. The city is grateful for the funding to help bring this exciting project closer to reality."

Brian U. Stratton, Mayor, City of Schenectady said, "This is a great step forward in the renovation of Proctor's Theatre, the heart of Schenectady's Arts & Entertainment District. The expansion of Proctor's stage will allow spectacular blockbuster shows to play in the Capital Region for the first time. The increased performance schedule and accompanying creation of new jobs will have a tremendous positive economic impact on the City.

Proctors' has a 25-year history of presenting first class theatre, and the new stage, developed through this grant, will ensure that generations to come will enjoy theatre in Schenectady."

Lucille McKnight, Board Chair of the Regional Planning Commission, said, "The Capital District Regional Planning Commission is pleased to have the opportunity to coordinate the efforts with the six Albany Pool communities and New York State to develop a comprehensive inter-municipal approach to address the Combined Sewer Overflow issue in the Hudson River. By investigating and improving Hudson River water quality, this project will help reconnect the Capital Region to the River while providing for healthier recreation in the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area."

Once the CSO controls are implemented, the project will address the highest priorities of the Hudson River Estuary Management Plan, and help to establish water quality suitable for swimming and help to establish enhanced waterfront uses.

Combined sewer systems are typically older systems that collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater in the same pipe. Most of the time, combined sewer systems transport all of their wastewater to a sewage treatment plant, where it is treated and then discharged to a receiving water body. However, during wet weather, the wastewater volume can exceed the capacity of the sewer system or treatment plant. This can lead to overflows and discharges of excess wastewater directly to nearby streams, rivers or other water bodies.

A range of CSO control alternatives will be evaluated and a long-term control plan will identify the CSO controls that will be implemented in Phase II. The communities will provide a local share, through cash or in-kind services, equal to the State grant. Phase II of the long-term control plan will include the design and construction of the alternatives recommended in Phase I.

"From its designation as an American Heritage River, to the development of the world-class Rivers and Estuaries Center in Beacon, to expanding the No Discharge Zone, the Hudson River has undergone a remarkable resurgence under Governor Pataki's leadership," State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said. "Partnerships like this, between the State and municipalities, will allow us to reach our goal of returning the river to its full environmental and economic potential."

The Hudson River Estuary Management Plan and the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan were first approved by Governor Pataki in 1996. The Action Plan was last updated in 2001 and released in 2002. One of the highest priorities of the Plan is reducing known impairments of water quality affecting contact recreation and habitat caused by wet weather discharges from CSOs.

Since 1995, Governor Pataki's commitment to protecting and restoring the Hudson River has resulted in dramatic improvements in water quality. The Albany Pool Long Term Control Plan is essential to continuing these efforts. By 2009, the State expects to see major progress in correcting the CSO problems on the Hudson River, along with implementation of a new stormwater pollution control program, in which urbanized communities along the Hudson will reduce stormwater runoff into the River and some of its tributaries.

Other improvements that are contributing to the revitalization of the Hudson River include upgrades being made to priority sewage treatment plants, the disinfection of municipal wastewater, the prohibition of discharges of sanitary wastewater from boats and construction of adequate pump-out facilities.

Under Governor Pataki's leadership, New York State has targeted approximately $190 million in funding from the $1.75 billion 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the EPF for implementation of priorities in the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan.

Since 1995, Governor Pataki has committed nearly $108 million in EPF, Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund support administered by State Parks toward 845 municipal open space, recreation and historic preservation grants to communities across New York State. During that time, $11 million has been invested in 80 park and preservation projects in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Columbia counties.

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 an unprecedented commitment to preserving and enhancing the Empire State's diverse outdoor resources and remarkable historic landmarks. By expanding public access to new parklands, investing in waterfront projects along the Hudson River and highlighting local architectural heritage, we are improving communities here in the Capital District and across the State for the benefit of all New Yorkers."

The six EPF grants announced today are as follows:

Albany County

Destroyer Escort Historic Museum
$27,000
The USS Slater is a destroyer escort ship currently serving as a WWII museum and tourist attraction at Albany's Snow Dock. This grant will continue restoration painting of the historic naval ship and provide seed money to begin restoration of the first of the four main engines.

Cathedral Restoration Corporation
$350,000
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the third oldest continuing Cathedral and oldest Neo-Gothic Cathedral in the United States, is undergoing major restoration of its exterior sandstone surface. This project includes all work required to stabilize and repair the entire South Tower.

Cathedral of All Saints
$75,000
The Cathedral will continue the masonry restoration of the building. The Cathedral is a historically important church, the first built in the U.S. as an Episcopal cathedral and the fifth largest church in the U.S.

Rensselaer County

City of Troy
$195,000
The City of Troy will use the grant to purchase an existing junkyard in the North Central neighborhood and make environmental improvements to the riverfront property. Plans will extend a planned waterfront bicycle and pedestrian trail and enhance the adjacent site where construction of a city-owned boat launch and fishing pier at Ingall's Avenue are underway.

Schenectady County

Arts Center and Theatre of Schenectady, Inc.
$350,000
Proctor's Theatre, the 2,700- seat National Register Historic Theatre is the centerpiece of a downtown Schenectady arts and entertainment district. Part of a $22.5 million project, this grant is for enhancements that include replacing the roof over the auditorium and improving the acoustics.

Columbia County
Shaker Museum and Library
$350,000
The Shaker Museum and Library holds the largest collection of Shaker artifacts that will soon include the largest stone barn in America. The grant will fund the second phase of a structural stabilization of the North Family Shaker Great Stone Barn, preventing it from collapsing and thus altering the context of the Mount Lebanon Shaker site.