Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) today announced that the joint Budget Conference Committee agreed to restore Tug Hill Commission funding. Throughout the process, the assemblyman had vigorously advocated on behalf of the Commission to Governor Cuomo, state senators and his fellow Assembly colleagues.

“The Tug Hill Commission is an invaluable resource to the rural communities of my district bringing in millions of dollars in private investment, and I couldn’t sit idly by as their funding and mission was threatened in this year’s budget,” said Blankenbush. “I contacted the governor and spoke with my legislative colleagues to share with them how the commission’s assistance has broadly and positively impacted my district and the wider Tug Hill region. The Commission is invaluable in helping sustain outdoor sports and recreation tourism among other economic development endeavors, which is why I’m pleased that Albany listened to the needs of the North Country and restored funding.”

Blankenbush noted that he sent a letter to Governor Cuomo on February 7, asking for funding restoration for the Tug Hill Commission. The letter outlined how the Commission helped the region with municipal services such as environmental conservation and economic development planning. The Commission, through its community development programs, has brought over $30 million in private investment to the region.

The assemblyman had further argued to Albany that these activities have especially helped to spur a thriving outdoor sports and recreation haven, an economic engine the area could not afford to lose. Outdoor enthusiasts, both statewide and nationally, have made Tug Hill their vacation destination and brought with them tourism dollars.

“I am enthused that Senate and Assembly leadership chose to maintain funding to the Tug Hill commission. The Commission plays a vital role in developing and promoting tourism and sensible economic development in the region,” said Rick McDermott, Vice President of the

Conservation Alliance of New York (CANY). “The commission has been a partner with CANY in developing trail systems for ATVs and snowmobiles as well as supporting CANY's initiatives for sound environmental stewardship of the Tug Hill area. We encourage Governor Cuomo to adopt this proposed funding in his final budget.”

"When the Glenfield 3G fire department built its new fire hall, the Tug Hill Commission administered the grant funds,” said Jack Bush, Chairman of the Lewis County Board of Legislators. “They were very helpful and professional, making the process easy for the department. I would like to see the folks at the Tug Hill Commission stay around to continue to help local communities like ours. They do a lot of good for a lot of people."

The Commission has helped many local governments with small staff in providing cost- effective services for their communities. As many in Albany are clamoring to create efficiencies and consolidate services, the Tug Hill Commission is already meeting many of the goals and criteria as an agency that creates savings in local government. In addition to Oneida County, the Commission serves three counties within Blankenbush’s Assembly District - Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties.