Saland Secures Funding For Local Park And Trail Maintenance In State Budget

Senator Steve Saland (R,I,C Poughkeepsie) today announced funding for local park and trail initiatives in Columbia County.

Saland secured the following funding in the 2008-2009 State Budget:

• The Town of Chatham will receive $4,386 for the purchase of park benches for the Crellin Community Park
• The Columbia Land Conservancy will receive $18,000 for the purchase of a compact tractor

"The Crellin Community Park has been the center of recreational activities in the Chatham community for more than 30 years," said Senator Saland. "In addition to Environmental Protection Funds for which the Town has applied for improvements to the Park, the grant for benches I have secured will help make the park more user friendly for families to enjoy."

"The goal of the Columbia Land Conservancy is to preserve the rural character of Columbia County through land conservation. The funds I have secured for the purchase of a compact tractor will help preserve and maintain trails at pubic conservation areas," Saland added.

"The Columbia Land Conservancy maintains six conservation areas throughout Columbia County, available without charge for public recreation. This tractor will greatly enhance our ability to maintain these areas, and several others still under development. The Columbia Land Conservancy is extremely grateful to Senator Saland for this tremendous contribution to our effort to strengthen connections between people and the land," said Peter R. Paden, Executive Director, Columbia Land Conservancy.

"We’re always excited to receive recognition of the efforts we’re making to improve Crellin Park. We appreciate that Senator Saland recognized our efforts by securing this grant in the budget," said Jesse DeGroodt, Supervisor of the Town of Chatham.