BILL SPONSORED BY SERINO WOULD MAKE LOCAL WATERWAYS ELIGIBLE FOR REVITALIZATION PROGRAM

ALBANY, NY – Senator Sue Serino today announced that a bill she sponsors to designate Saw Kill and Fall Kill creeks as inland waterways has passed the Senate. The unique designation would allow municipalities along the waterways to participate in the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). Participation in that program would allow the municipalities to qualify for state revitalization grants and empower the communities to more effectively create long term plans for development and preservation.

“Preserving and enhancing our local waterways will play a key role in the economic and environmental future of our local communities,” said Senator Serino. “I am proud to pass a bill that will play a direct role in allowing these areas to access state grants and planning tools, and I look forward to seeing what they are able to do with this unique opportunity.”

The legislation was introduced at the request of the Dutchess County Cornell Cooperative Extension, who has worked with local communities who support the inclusion of the Saw Kill and Fall Kill in the program.

LWRP funding can be obtained by eligible municipalities through Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants. According to the Department of State, this funding is utilized to protect and preserve natural areas, improve water quality, guide development to areas with adequate infrastructure and away from sensitive environments, promote access to public waterfronts, and provide for the redevelopment of underutilized waterfronts.

The bill is sponsored in the State Assembly by Assemblymember Didi Barrett, where it will need to pass before it can become law.

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