Statement by Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan on the Inauguration of Gov. Paterson

HUDSON VALLEY -- Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan made the following statement regarding New York State's new governor.

"Scenic Hudson salutes David Paterson on the historic occasion of his inauguration as governor of New York State. We are excited and optimistic about the experience, wisdom, dedication to public service and humor he brings to the leadership of our state and about his commitment to bring together the people of New York at this crucial time in our history. We look forward to working with him to shape environmentally and economically vibrant waterfronts up and down the Hudson River.

"Governor Paterson has a track record of being an effective lawmaker who works across party lines and is sensitive to grass-roots concerns. Scenic Hudson applauds him for spearheading the state's renewable energy task force and for his commitment to energy conservation and 'green' technology as the basis for our future economic prosperity. His 20 years of experience in the Legislature -- where he rose to the position of Senate minority leader -- prepares him to lead our state through challenging economic times while addressing the most pressing environmental challenges.

"I pledge that Scenic Hudson will enthusiastically seek opportunities to work with Governor Paterson, his administration and the Legislature to ensure that our region -- its majestic landscapes and working farms, waterfronts, parks, cities and towns -- will prosper and grow for the good of all," said Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson, the largest environmental organization focused on the Hudson River Valley.

State budget first big opportunity to work with new governor

Scenic Hudson also signaled items in the pending state budget that it will advocate for on behalf of Hudson River Valley residents and communities.

Expand the EPF and stop "sweeps"

With the approaching 2009 commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's sail up the river that now bears his name, Scenic Hudson will urge Gov. Paterson to eliminate a "sweep" of money from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to the state's general fund. The group also will seek to expand the EPF to $275 million this year as a first step to making good on the state's commitment to grow the fund to $300 million by 2010. Sweeping the EPF would shortchange the environment just as state agencies are reforming their operations to focus a more rapid response to the state's environmental needs, which are key to promoting lasting economic gains.

Invest in managing the Hudson River's coastal area

The Hudson Valley is known for its majestic vistas, waterfronts and urban centers. These assets help drive a $4.5-billion tourism economy in the 10-county region and help retain and expand business through the area. An expanded EPF is needed to support many programs that protect these characteristics. For the Hudson River Estuary Program, which helps communities and local government fund land protection, safeguard water quality and manage the river's ecosystem, $10 million is needed. The Department of State's Coastal Management Program needs additional funding for waterfront revitalization grants and for five more professional staff to assist municipalities with smart growth planning in a region experiencing some of the strongest growth pressures anywhere in the state.

Support for public parks and the Quadricentennial

To ensure that the Hudson River Valley and New York State continue to benefit from a remarkable system of parks, Scenic Hudson supports a request by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for $100 million in bonded capital this year to upgrade deteriorating facilities. The group also will support efforts coordinated by the Department of Environmental Conservation to mark the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's sail up the river.

Pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill

Passage of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in this year's budget is a viable mechanism to bring an estimated $100 million to the EPF on an annual basis. The proposal would bring double benefit to New York as millions of bottles and cans that currently fall through the cracks of the existing bottle bill become redeemable, resulting in cleaner parks, decreased pollution and increased recycling.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 10,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. www.scenichudson.org

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