Governor Kathy Hochul touted new investments in the Adirondack Park and Forest Preserve as part of the 2022 NYS State of the State address that she made in Albany today. In front of a lightly attended session, due to COVID precautions, in the NYS Assembly Chamber, the People’s House in state government, the Governor outlined some highlights of her first state budget that will be released later this month.

The Governor stated that “The Adirondacks and Catskills are unique and vital resources for New York. But since they are managed as wild forest lands, the Adirondacks and Catskills are even more susceptible to damage and deterioration from increased use.” Without naming a dollar figure she talked about new investments that “allow for critical actions designed to address overuse through comprehensive planning for the future, including trail safety and climate resiliency.” She also talked about greater funding for the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) to build out winter ski areas as 4-season tourism destinations and expanding the “Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act” to $4 billion. The Bond Act will be on the ballot in November 2022, which if approved by the public would boost funding streams for climate change mitigation, restoration and flood risk reduction projects, open space protection, water quality  protection, among other environmental programs.

Click here to read the State of the State briefing book.

 

Here are three relevant excerpts from the State of the State briefing book that deal with the Adirondack Park and the 2022 Environmental Bond Act.

Protect New York’s Forest Preserve Lands in the Catskills and the Adirondacks

The Adirondacks and Catskills are unique and vital resources for New York. But since they are managed as wild forest lands, the Adirondacks and Catskills are even more susceptible to damage and deterioration from increased use.

To preserve these state gems, Governor Hochul will leverage the Environmental Protection Fund to invest inhelping New Yorkers enjoy the Adirondacks and Catskills responsibly. This investment will allow for critical actions designed to address overuse through comprehensive planning for the future, including trail safety and climate resiliency. It will also support stewards to engage visitors and the community to ensure that all of us can benefit from these shared natural resources.

These actions will ensure the Adirondacks and Catskills are preserved as wild forest lands while still allowingvisitors to enjoy their stunning beauty for years to come.

Spur Further Investment in the North Country and Adirondacks Through ORDA

First created after the 1980 Winter Games at Lake Placid, the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) continues to drive economic growth in the North Country and Adirondacks, working closely with local businesses to support the tourism and recreational sports industries. The State will provide additional support to expand use and enjoyment of outdoor recreational facilities in the Southern Adirondacks, with investments going toward development of the North Creek Ski Bowl at Gore Mountain, amplifying year-round park amenities that include mountain biking, hiking, and sports fields. Plans include a new ADA-compliant recreation center and a new chairlift designed for 12-month use.

Increase Funding for the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act to $4 Billion

To demonstrate New York’s ongoing commitment to the environment, Governor Hochul has proposed a $1 billion increase to the “Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act,” which will bring its total to $4 billion. The Bond Act will be on the ballot in November 2022, which if approved by the public would boost funding streams for climate change mitigation, restoration and flood risk reduction projects, and other environmental protection programs.