The Adirondack Park Agency (APA), created in 1971, is charged with the broad mandate of insuring "the optimum overall conservation, protection, development and use of the unique scenic, aesthetic, wildlife, recreational, open space, ecological and natural resources of the Adirondack Park." In carrying out this mandate, the APA is responsible for administration of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and the Adirondack Park Private Land Use and Development Plan. In addition, the APA administers the State Freshwater Wetlands and Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers System Acts, operates two Visitor Interpretive Centers, and helps local governments develop land use plans consistent with the State Master Plan.

The Adirondack Park Agency is included in the Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation appropriation bill.

State Operations

The Executive proposes a General Fund appropriation of $4,177,000 for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2003-04, reflecting a decrease of $60,000 below SFY 2002-03 levels. This decrease results from the attrition of three full-time equivalent positions.

The Executive proposes a Special Revenue Fund Federal Maintenance Undistributed appropriation of $900,000 for the New York State Scenic Byways Program project to enhance the Route 73 corridor. This reflects an increase of $200,000 over SFY 2002-03 levels. This increase is offset by the elimination of funding for wetlands mapping within the Adirondack Park, due to completion of the project.

Aid to Localities

The Executive proposes a General Fund appropriation of $50,000 to maintain the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board. The Board monitors the activities of the APA and consists of representatives from the counties wholly or partly within the Park boundary.