Senator Tkaczyk Passes First Bill; Measure Would Increase Tourism, Boost Local Economy

State Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk passed her first bill in the Senate today, a measure that would designate a 41 mile corridor in Greene County as “The Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway.”

 “State Scenic Byways are an important tool for economic development,” Senator Tkaczyk said. “They increase tourism and recreational opportunities and also help secure federal funding for road improvements and preservation.”

 The Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway would link Platte Clove Road with sections of Route 23A and Route 214 and cross through the Greene County Villages of Hunter and Tannersville and the Town of Hunter.

 Senator Tkaczyk noted that those municipalities, together with other local governments, Chambers of Commerce, businesses and not-for-profit organizations, have worked closely together since 2005, and the designation by the State will act as a catalyst for further regional cooperation.

 Senator Tkaczyk said the designation would also open the door to federal funding for certain improvements, including increased parking and improved access to Kaaterskill Falls in the Town of Hunter.

 “Kaaterskill Falls is a stunning natural resource and one of America’s oldest tourist attractions,” Senator Tkaczyk said. “It was a favorite subject for Thomas Cole and other Hudson River School artists and we should be promoting and preserving the natural beauty and recreational opportunities it offers.”

 The measure would link several State, County, and local roads to create one continuous scenic byway.

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