Cahill Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Save Hudson River Valley Greenway

April 3, 2009

Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D – Ulster / Dutchess) led a bipartisan coalition of 19 legislators to defeat an Executive Budget proposal that would have repealed the Hudson River Valley Greenway Law and transferred the responsibilities of the Greenway Communities Council and Heritage Conservancy to the Department of State.

“At a time when regional approaches to governing are being looked to for efficiencies, cost savings and economic development, the elimination of the Greenway would have been a huge step backwards,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “The Greenway plays an essential role in helping our communities protect ecological balance of the region while at the same time stimulating economic growth. I am pleased we were able to save it in the budget.”

Assemblymember Cahill coordinated efforts with Assemblymember Marc Molinaro, Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Scenic Hudson in order to block the inclusion of the Executive’s proposal in the final budget passed by the Assembly earlier this week.

The Hudson River Valley Greenway Conservancy and Council and the Hudson River Estuary Program have established and implemented a successful model of how government can work cooperatively with diverse partners in public and private sectors to encourage strategies to achieve smart growth, environmental and heritage conservation, and sustainable economic development. These agencies have played an integral role in coordinating, advising and assisting communities committed to protecting the natural beauty, safety and ecological balance of the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions in ways that encourage and stimulate growth.

Since their inception in 1991 by an act of the legislature, The Hudson River Valley Greenway Council and Conservancy have worked effectively to establish voluntary regional planning partnerships with 251 municipalities in 12 counties, and New York City. The success of the program has lead to its replication in various regions throughout the world.

The Greenway Communities Council, a state agency, works with local and county governments to enhance local land use planning and create a voluntary compact for the Hudson River Valley. The Conservancy, a public benefit corporation, coordinates with organizations and individuals to establish trail systems, promote tourism, assist in land preservation strengthen state agency cooperation with local stakeholders.

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