Senate Grant To Help Greene Tourism

Local tourism initiatives headlined senate grants announcedat a press conference in Catskill hosted by Senator James L. Seward. Seward unveiled $175,500 in local senate initiatives to assist various programs and municipalities in Greene County. The funding will assist local entities and enhance tourism, health care, the arts and local planning in Greene County.

Seward announced $34,000 in senate tourism marketing aid for the Catskill Association for Tourism Services (CATS). The senate funding pays for ongoing marketing of the Catskills as a tourist destination through public relations, web site development, marketing via television, print and radio, and special events.

"New York must provide value for the tax dollar, and the funding will do so by assisting many local programs that reduce pressure on government services, help to create jobs, and return revenue to state and local governments in tourism and economic development," Seward said. "Tourism is a special and key component of our effort to improve the local economy of Greene County, and the efforts by CATS will provide significant dividends."

Seward also unveiled a $50,000 senate award to the Greene International Golf Assocation to promote the Rip Van Winkle Golf Trail and golf-related tourist attractions. Funding will help promote Greene County area facilities to the metro New York City and capital district regions.

Care for breast cancer patients will be the focus of a $10,000 award for Breast Cancer Options of Greene County and Mid-Hudson. The senate grant will help provide support services for cancer patients through forums, support group and outreach.

Other organizations receiving senate funding:

AGENCY PROGRAM AMOUNT
Ashland Historical Assoc. Building repairs $ 3,000
Cairo-Durham Elks Lodge Facility improvements 10,000
Town of Durham Comprehensive plan 11,000
Greene Co. Council on the Arts Facility improvements 20,000
Heart of Catskill Assoc.Community concert 10,000
Town of New Baltimore Operating aid 25,000
Oak Hill Preserv. Assoc. Historic signage2,500

"The senate funding will provide dividends in business, tourism, health care, and locally identified community needs that would not be possible without senate assistance," Senator Seward said.

"When it comes to local governments in particular, the senate aid reduces pressure on tax rates and tight budgets, especially in rural areas."

Seward said the money was set aside in the 2005-2006 state budget.

"The programs identified as eligible for the awards improve the quality of life of many people in specific ways. I am glad that the senate could assist," Seward concluded.

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