Historic Commitment to Environment

In advance of his State of the State address tomorrow, Governor Cuomo announced he will propose a fully-funded, $300 million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), setting the stage for a state budget that provides the environment with huge wins.

The EPF protects clean air and water, supports local and state parks, trails and farms, and strengthens grassroots Friends organizations. Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and our partners have been advocating for a fully funded EPF and we are thrilled that the Governor is continuing his support for the enhancement of this critical source of funding for New York’s communities.

In a press statement, PTNY Executive Director Robin Dropkin said, “Today’s announcement by Governor Cuomo puts New York in a position of national leadership. The Governor’s historic commitment includes important investments in state park infrastructure, environmental programs, and grassroots Friends organizations that will help grow the economy, promote tourism, and enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

A fully funded EPF will enable environmental needs across the state to be addressed, including land acquisition for trail corridors and parks; municipal parks and waterfront revitalization grants; and state land stewardship and public access to state parks, historic sites, and state forest lands and recreation facilities.

Among the important programs supported by the EPF is the new Park and Trail Partnership Program, a $500,000 capacity-building grants program for organizations that promote and support the state parks system. The Park and Trail Partnership Program, administered by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), will unlock the potential of these organizations by increasing their effectiveness, productivity, and volunteer and fundraising capabilities. This will enhance park, trail and historic site stewardship, leading to even greater economic benefits from outdoor recreation and healthier, more sustainable and resilient communities.

Advancing Parks 2020

Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has made investing in the revitalization of the state parks system a priority and a central part of his efforts to promote tourism and grow the state’s economy. Thanks to the commitment of the Governor and Legislature, state parks, under the Governor’s visionary NY Parks 2020 plan, are in the midst of an unprecedented renaissance, with four straight years of significant capital funding to build and restore visitor centers, bath houses and other critical infrastructure.

We expect the Governor to build on his strong commitment with his FY2016-2017 Executive Budget proposal and enable State Parks to continue its progress in addressing the nearly $1 billion backlog in infrastructure and health and safety needs.

Tomorrow, PTNY will also release our 2016 Legislative Priorities. The policies and programs supported by PTNY will enhance New York’s role as a national leader in the protection, promotion and enhancement of parks, trails and greenways, and ensure that these natural, recreational and cultural treasures are an integral part of the state’s economic, transportation, health, and environmental strategies. As a sneak-peek, our budget priorities include the following:

• Another round of $110 million in Parks 2020 capital funding to address the backlog of infrastructure needs at New York State Parks and Historic Sites
• A fully funded and sustainable Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $300 million
• A second round of $500,000 for the NYS Park and Trail Partnership Program, a capacity-building grants program for the grassroots Friends groups that support the state park system
• Sustainable funding for the state agencies responsible for implementing important programs that protect our shared environment and public health, including the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Follow PTNY on Twitter for live tweeting from the Governor’s State of the State and budget speech.