Senator Carlucci & Larkin Help Fund Hudson River Research

Senators Carlucci & Larkin joined Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries|Clarkson University President & CEO Dr. Timothy Sugrue in Stony Point today to announce $300,000 in funding to support the study of the Hudson River.

This monitoring network and its data management systems will change the landscape for both river science and the stewardship of New York’s waterways.  

The newest $300,000 investment in REON by the State of New York will support the data acquisition and analytical capacity of this new leading-edge technology within the Hudson River sensing network. This research and data will be instrumental in studying and implementing programs and legislation to address some of the Hudson’s major challenges. These challenges include the effects of the Indian Point Nuclear power plant, the preservation and growth of the Piermont Marsh, the viability of a desalination plant for Rockland County and overall flooding issues in the region.

Along with the creation of REON, Clarkson’s scientists and engineers have developed more powerful sensors that can be deployed at a reduced cost, making widespread and long-term river deployment viable.  In addition to basic information, a number of these sensors can simultaneously monitor for dissolved oxygen, Chlorophyll, dissolved organic matter, petroleum hydrocarbon, turbidity, particle size, and salinity.  

Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) said, “The Hudson River is our greatest resource here in the Hudson Valley and continues to face many challenges. Data collected by the Rivers and Estuaries Observatory Network will help us make informed decisions on the future of the Hudson Valley region. From the effects of nuclear power to the potential impacts of drinking Hudson River water, we must continue to work to expand our understanding of this great waterway.”

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) said, “This newest investment will go a long way toward enhancing the Hudson River sensing network and helping the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries fulfill its important mission.  I look forward to watching this technology improve the Hudson River and other rivers and estuaries throughout our state.”

Dr. Timothy Sugrue, President & CEO of Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries|Clarkson University, said, “I want to thank Senators Carlucci and Larkin for this critical funding which will expand our knowledge of the Hudson River. Working together, we will continue to unravel the mysteries of this resource for the benefit of human health, ecosystem restoration, economic development and quality of life.”