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Governor
Cuomo Announces $90 Million in
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NY
Parks 2020 Improvement Projects
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State Parks
to Immediately Launch Projects at Parks and
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Historic
Sites Across New York
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Albany,
NY – May 2018 / Newsmaker Alert / Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo has announced $90 million in revitalization and rehabilitation
projects at nearly 50 State parks and historic sites across New York this
year. The funding, included in the 2018-19 State Budget, continues a major
transformation of the park system that has invested more than $700 million
into park and historic site improvements since 2011.
“Our
world-class parks system attracts millions of New Yorkers and visitors
each year, and this ongoing financial commitment will help ensure these
jewels remain in good repair for years to come,” Governor Cuomo said. “This
investment will continue to make much needed improvements and repairs at
cherished State Parks to promote healthy outdoor recreation, preserve our
environment and boost local economies.”
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The
projects are part of the Governor’s NY Parks 2020 plan, a multi-year commitment
to revitalize the state park system. The Governor committed $90 million
to the effort in the 2018-19 State Budget. To date, the initiative has
invested $700 million in 176 parks and historic sites - including installing
76 playgrounds, conserving 14,000 acres of buffer lands, rehabilitating
200 miles of trails, and beginning the building or improvement of 300 cabins
and cottages and 30 nature and cultural centers. Fifty-five percent of
the funding has been to repair and improve basic infrastructure—sewer,
water systems, roads, bridges, culverts, bathrooms, electrical system and
internet connectivity. The initiative is also prioritizing the transformation
of 31 flagship parks and parks that served communities that lack access
to outdoor recreation—these parks serve 80 percent of the system’s visitation.
In the same period, park visitation has increased 23 percent to 71 million
visitors last year. A new progress report, “Building Better Parks,” details
how the investment is modernizing and transforming the park system. View
the report here.
“Governor
Cuomo is leading the way in modernizing the oldest state park system in
the nation,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said. “We have begun
reversing years of decline at our historic flagship parks, while expanding
recreational access for the communities that have been underserved for
too long. Park visitors to Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen, Green Lakes, Roberto
Clemente, Jones Beach, Olana, Harriman and many more will see we have touched
every corner of the state.”
In
addition to $70 million in construction projects announced, the budget
provides $20 million for various system-wide improvements, such as investment
in signage, technology, natural resource stewardship - and allocates funding
for design of future projects, emergencies, engineering and construction
oversight.
Chair
of the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee,
Senator Rich Funke, said, “As Chair of the Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks
and Recreation Committee, I know that our state parks are a major attraction
to residents and tourists. The tourism industry is vital to our state as
it brings in $8 billion in revenue per year. I’m relieved to see Rochester
and the Finger Lakes region included in the plan to improve popular, historic
sites that have a long and rich history in our region and will continue
to serve as prime tourist destinations.”
Chair
of the Assembly Parks and Tourism, Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, said,
“Improving our Parks system is paramount to providing safe and welcoming
spaces that serve millions of New Yorkers a year. Additionally, our state
parks boost local economies by encouraging recreational and nature tourism.
New York State’s Parks act as anchors for communities to engage with and
learn about our environment, serving countless families and adventurers.
The state legislature is taking the challenge of modernizing the oldest
park system in the nation very seriously, and we are proud to have passed
a budget containing $90 million dollars in funding for nearly 50 state
parks this year.”
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The
New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees
more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses,
boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually.
A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in
park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8
billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation
areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit
www.parks.ny.gov,
connect with us on Facebook,
or follow on Instagram
and
Twitter.
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Contact:
Press
Office
518-474-8418
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov |