Assemblyman Cusick (D-Mid-Island) announced today that he attended the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Environmental Conservation in Albany on February 4th. At the public hearing, Assemblyman Cusick asked Commissioner Martens about funding in the budget for Phase II of the Pouch Camp property. Specifically the questions centered upon the creation of the easement and asked that DEC consider $5 million to fund the necessary phase.
“With the creation of the property easement, we see that there is opportunity to fund Phase II of the Pouch Camp property,” said Assemblyman Cusick.
The William H. Pouch Camp is the City’s only Scout Camp and it is approximately 143 acres sharing the numerous indoor facilities with the YMCA and Girl Scouts. It is also home to the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. At the centerpiece of Pouch Camp is the 20 acre Lake Ohrbach and Berlin Lodge. “Pouch Camp supports thousands of children, many from underserved households, who have the opportunity to experience the outdoors and camping for the first time in their young lives,” continued Assemblyman Cusick.
Pouch Camp is situated in the center of Staten Island’s 2,800 acre Greenbelt and was listed on the New York State Open Space Conservation plan in 2009. The Greenbelt is the second largest component of New York City parks and is one of the most biologically diverse places in the City.
Following the public budget hearing, Assemblyman Cusick and Assemblyman Borelli wrote to DEC Commissioner Martens outlining their funding request for this year’s state budget. “I am pleased that Commissioner Martens has continued DEC’s commitment to Pouch Camp following the Phase I project which helped save 43.3 acres of the property in 2012 and I look forward to working with DEC in this year’s budget. Maintaining this commitment to one of our community’s most valuable assets is a top priority,” said Assemblyman Cusick.
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