FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 17, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES “SMART GROWTH” FUNDING FOR CATSKILL REGION TO PRESERVE NATURAL RESOURCES AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Projects to Link Sustainable Development, Environmental Protection and Community Livability
Governor David A. Paterson and Commissioner of Environmental Conservation Pete Grannis today announced that $500,000 will be made available to six communities in the Catskill Park to help local governments plan for sustainable development and make the best use of the natural resources in the region.
The funding will be made available through the state Environmental Protection Fund for grants to promote “smart growth” programs in the Catskill Park following the successful launch of the program in the Adirondack Park. The grants will help communities implement sustainable projects that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of their communities while accommodating increased levels of tourism and related development. Smart growth can be used in rural areas to address some of the land-use issues facing the Park communities, such as workforce housing, aging infrastructure, water quality, economic development, open space protection and community revitalization.
“The Catskill Park is one of New York State’s greatest assets. It is a magnificent natural area that protects the water supplies of millions of New Yorkers while also providing outstanding recreational opportunities for state residents and visitors from around the world,” said Governor Paterson. “It is also home to more than 70,000 permanent residents whose livelihoods are intertwined with the continued protection of the region’s natural heritage and appropriate economic development opportunities.”
Commissioner Grannis said: “Smart growth is based on the belief that environmental protection and sustainable development can and must go hand-in-hand – especially for communities surrounded by state forest preserve. Local governments in the Catskills face unique circumstances. Through this grant program, the State can assist them in dealing with such issues as community revitalization, green infrastructure needs, downtown improvement projects and sustainable job creation.”
Smart growth is planned growth that balances the need for economic development with concerns about quality-of-life, such as preserving the natural and built environment. Smart growth is also useful in attracting investments from an increasing number of businesses that consider quality-of-life factors in their decisions about where to establish business operations. A recent report from the state Economic Development Council found that access to outdoor recreation is a major factor in business location decisions.
The grants will be administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in partnership with the Department of State (DOS). The six grant recipients are: the towns of Andes, Middletown, Olive and Shandaken, and the villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville. Proposals will focus on projects that have been identified in previous planning studies to protect the region’s natural resources and accommodate sensible economic growth by revitalizing existing village and town centers.
A minimum of $40,000 will be made available for projects in each of the six communities should eligible projects be submitted, and the remaining funds will be awarded based on competitive rankings conducted by DEC in consultation with DOS and other state agency staff.
Officials said the program would provide much needed assistance to the Catskill communities. The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development will also assist the state in publicizing and explaining the opportunities available.
Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “These grants will provide valuable resources to communities in the Catskill Park that will enable them to promote economic growth, improve the quality of life for residents, and protect the environment, all at the same time. These funds complement the work we've done on the federal level to promote economic growth in Upstate New York and the work I've done over the past 30 years to help protect the integrity of the New York City watershed.”
Senator John J. Bonacic said: “Our region is considered to be among the finest natural areas of the state. Its scenic beauty and recreational offerings attract people from around the world. I am pleased to work with Governor Paterson to secure state funding so that communities in the Catskill Park can protect their natural heritage while increasing economic development opportunities. This is a win for the residents and visitors alike.”
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said: “The state’s commitment to our communities, as illustrated by this smart growth funding, reinforces the fact that conservation and development are not mutually exclusive. These initiatives show that environmental stewardship and protection are key components to our regional economy.”
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said: “Smart growth is the future of the Catskill Park – and it’s a future I believe in. The way to economic growth in Upstate New York is to improve the quality of our communities, increase tourism and preserve the beautiful natural resources that make our area so unique. The smart growth funding earmarked for the Catskill Park is a big step forward, and it’s something I’m going to work hard to build on.”
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said: “The Catskill Park is one of New York’s greatest natural treasures, and it is important that we promote economic development while ensuring the preservation of the natural environment. The Smart Growth Program will help renew deteriorating infrastructure, increase investment by and in local businesses, and improve quality of life to revitalize communities.”
Daniel C. Gundersen, Upstate Chairman of the Empire State Development Corporation, said: “These Smart Growth grants will go a long way in helping communities throughout the Catskill Park address economic needs. This important program will allow the grant recipients to address specific issues unique to each community while spurring economic development, creating jobs and drawing more tourists to the area. I applaud Governor Paterson's efforts to make more dollars available that support sustainable growth in this beautiful area of the state that is treasured by so many.”
Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez said: “Sprawl and strip development threaten the viability of traditional town and village centers in the Catskill Park. By helping to revitalize these vital centers, we begin to set a course toward economic and environmental sustainability in the region.”
Deborah Meyer DeWan, Interim Executive Director of the Catskill Center, said: “We are delighted to see these resources coming to these communities for smart growth. We look forward to working with the state, municipalities and others to achieve tangible outcomes from this program that will further economic revitalization in the region. By leveraging these grants, each of the towns and villages can become a model for smart growth – matching our world-class environment with our small-town ingenuity.”
A “Request for Proposals” form is available at DEC’s web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/37874.html.
The grant application process will be open until June 20th. DEC plans to hold workshops for the eligible municipalities on April 23rd (times and locations will be announced soon).