Assembly Ensures State Parks are Open for Memorial Day

May 28, 2010

Albany – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) announced that the Assembly has approved a measure (A.11308) to restore funding for state parks, establish an Electronic Waste recycling program and provide allocations for the Environmental Protection Fund. The measure also reopens several campgrounds operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

“This legislation ensures that New Yorkers have access to the parks in time for Memorial Day weekend. Governor Paterson has finally recognized our parks and historic sites are essential for educational and recreational fulfillment and are a sustainable economic engine,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “I led the fight to keep our parks open and New Yorkers made it abundantly clear that closing parks is an unacceptable way to balance our budget. Our environment and local businesses will be better off with the parks open.”

In 2009, over 56 million people visited New York’s state park facilities and historic sites. Counties that rely on tourism as a primary source of revenue estimate they bring in upwards of $170 million per year in tourist dollars and sales tax. These destinations enhance the quality of life in New York by providing inexpensive recreational opportunities and unique cultural and historic experiences.

“This is particularly good for communities that rely on tourism and families who need an affordable leisure destination close to home during this time of economic distress,” added Assemblymember Cahill. “For over one-hundred years, we have led the nation in showcasing the unparalleled attractions in our state park system. Minnewaska State Park, our ‘Gateway to the Gunks,’ is a place where people can appreciate the natural beauty of our region. The Senate House historic site is literally the place where American democracy was conceived.”

The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) allocation of $134 million will be used to pay for protection of drinking water, farmland, and scenic and ecological areas. The agreement included a restoration of $17 million for open space acquisition to be used for the purchase of ecologically valuable land. The Assembly was successful in opposing a proposal by Governor Paterson that would have used $10 million of the EPF for purposes inconsistent with the goals of the program.

“The cuts to the EPF are troubling, but we did protect the integrity of the program, restore funding for open space acquisition, and we establish an E-waste recycling program that will help replenish the EPF,” Assemblymember Cahill said. “We also managed to stop the Governor from using the fund for purposes other than environmental protection.”

The measure establishes an electronic waste recycling program which would require manufacturers that sell certain electronic equipment – including computers, televisions, and digital music players – to establish and implement methods for taking back and recycling such waste. This will help to reduce the amount of hazardous substances contaminating landfills.

What's New