Skip to content

Scenic Hudson Commends Gov. Cuomo for Strong Environmental Budget

For Immediate Release

Contact: 

Andy Bicking, Director of Public Policy, 914 489 1568

HUDSON VALLEY – Scenic Hudson praised Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s upcoming budget for investing in the environment and confronting the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The $300 million he has committed to the Environmental Protection Fund will facilitate projects that improve public health by enhancing outdoor recreation and attract new business critical for the state’s economic recovery. Among the important investments in connecting more people to the outdoors in the Hudson Valley are:

  • Opening a new state park – the first in the City of Kingston and Town of Ulster – on land Scenic Hudson originally protected.
  • Revitalizing the first boat launch site to begin development of the new Hudson Eagles State Recreation Area spanning 30 miles between the cities of Hudson and Rensselaer.
  • Reopening Lake Sebago in Harriman State Park to swimming, one of several new planned amenities in the park.

Statewide, the governor’s budget supports agricultural development essential for conserving New York’s working family farms, commits at least $440 million over the next four years to expanding the State Parks system and appropriates $500 million to support critical water infrastructure projects.

Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, “At a time when the federal government has failed to provide COVID relief to New York State and localities, Governor Cuomo’s continued strong commitment to funding environmental priorities and his nation-leading proposals to boost renewable energy and end fossil fuel power are crucial to public health and the economy. We look forward to working with his administration to create an exciting new state park on the Kingston waterfront that will be a source of enjoyment and inspiration for the people of the city and region.”

Scenic Hudson Director of Public Policy Andy Bicking said, “We have deep appreciation for the governor’s longstanding commitment to the environment and his work to make New York State a national and international leader for environmental protection, clean water, parks and open space. His proposed budget includes a $300-million Environmental Protection Fund, $500 million for clean water infrastructure, and $33 billion for improving environmental facilities and parks, and the development of green energy. New Yorkers are seeking the great outdoors and the Hudson River like never before due to the pandemic. Investing in these resources is critical to the well-being of millions of New Yorkers and to help diverse communities in the Hudson Valley become even better places to live, work and play. We look forward to working with the governor and Legislature to secure these funds in the state budget.”