HUDSON RIVER PARK NEEDS INCREASED FUNDS IN STATE BUDGET, LAWMAKERS SAY
February 18, 2016
NEW YORK – Last week, state lawmakers representing the west side of Manhattan urged leaders of the NYS Senate and Assembly to allocate more funding in the 2016-2017 Budget to pay for critical infrastructure projects at Hudson River Park.
In letters to the leaders of their respective chambers, Senators Brad Hoylman, Daniel Squadron and Adriano Espaillat and Assembly Members Richard Gottfried, Deborah Glick and Linda Rosenthal asked for $2.7 million in additional funding for the Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT), in addition to the $800,000 in Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget. HRPT is a partnership between New York State and City, and is responsible for developing and operating Hudson River Park.
The lawmakers said that $3.5 million in total funding would “enable the Hudson River Park Trust to plan for additional critical infrastructure projects in the Park,” including fire suppression systems, park-wide security cameras, park-wide dock repairs, park-wide paver repairs and LED bulbs. They also noted that while historically the State and City provide equal funding for capital expenditures, even with the requested increase State funding will fall short of the $10 million New York City has committed for this fiscal year.
”Hudson River Park is a major asset for the region and the whole state,” said Assembly Member Richard Gottfried. “In addition to completing the Park, HRPT has to do capital maintenance on the bulkhead, which dates from the 1800s and keeps the Park from falling into the Hudson, and other physical assets that are over 50 years old. The state is far behind in its commitment to match New York City’s contributions to the Park’s capital funding.”
“Our parks are a precious resource that we must do our utmost to protect and preserve,” said State Senator Brad Hoylman, Ranking Member of the Environmental Conservation Committee. “The additional funds that my colleagues and I are calling for represent the bare minimum necessary in keeping Hudson River Park a safe and welcoming place for individuals and families across New York. We can’t afford to neglect this beloved oasis. I urge leaders in both the Senate and the Assembly to appropriate the necessary funds and help sustain Hudson River Park.”
“Hudson River Park provides active and passive recreation space for countless families and individuals not just from our neighborhoods, but from all of New York,” said Assemblymember Deborah Glick. “Continued cuts to funding threatens the stability of this refuge and I hope that the final budget acknowledges the financial needs of the Park.”
“Hudson River Park is an essential part of our community,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “It's critical the State step up to the plate to support Hudson River Park, and its central role in our community. Hudson River Park is an important part of our Harbor Park -- a Central Park for the center of our city, and I thank Senator Hoylman, Assembly Member Gottfried, and my colleagues for their continued advocacy.”
“The Hudson River Park is a truly unique location, an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. We need to do all that we can to safeguard this park’s vibrancy and ensure its longevity,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan). “In past years, the Assembly has stepped up and come through with sorely needed funding for the park, and I am hopeful we will come through once again, helping to preserve this important parkland.”
“I represent nine miles of parks along the Hudson River, and ensuring every mile is safe and properly maintained is essential to residents being able to enjoy these tremendous assets,” said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. “This funding will help conserve Hudson River Park's status as a wonderful piece of our waterfront.”
