This week, a huge win for our regional environment as Kinder Morgan announced it has suspended funding of its Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipeline, a controversial project that could have yielded unforeseen environmental impacts.

According to the company, there was a lack of contractual commitments for the natural gas that would be sent to New England from Pennsylvania drilling sites via an underground pipeline that would also run through parts of Delaware and Schoharie counties.

In another big win for the environment, the State has denied a water quality permit to the proposed Constitution Pipeline, a natural gas transmission system. I commend the Governor and DEC for putting the water quality of Upstate New York first by making this bold move. I have expressed serious health and safety concerns regarding both the NED and Constitution pipelines and have spoken to many residents who would have been affected by this development.

City of Albany to improve Corning Preserve. The City of Albany announced major improvements to the bike and pedestrian infrastructure that have begun at the Corning Riverfront Park on the Hudson River.

The project will make the Corning Riverfront Park more accessible from Downtown, the Warehouse District, Arbor Hill, and the South End through improved road crossings and will widen and extend bicycle and walking paths on the waterfront park as well.

The construction is made possible by $4 million from the state Department of Transportation Enhancements Program (TEP), a federal reimbursement program that provides support for projects with “cultural, aesthetic, historic and environmental significance,” and a $1 million bond through the City of Albany. The project began this spring and is expected to be completed this calendar year.

Market 32 openings in Albany, Guilderland. I joined Price Chopper/Market 32 and Guilderland town officials in opening Market 32 at Hamilton Square (the former 20 Mall). Price Chopper also has invested in the Madison Avenue store in Albany as a Market 32 branded location.

Turkish Cultural Center Friendship Dinner. I was honored by the Turkish Cultural Center Albany (TCCA) at their fifth Annual Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony. TCCA is a non-profit dedicated to promoting peace and understanding among people from diverse cultural backgrounds. I was joined by my predecessor Jack McEneny and members of TCCA. Thank you to the TCCA for your work and the recognition.

I Fish NY day at Six Mile Waterworks. The Department of Environmental Conservation is hosting the 9th Annual I Fish NY free fishing event at Albany’s Six Mile Waterworks (Rensselaer Lake) April 26 through April 29.

The program features free sport fishing clinics each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. DEC fisheries staff will be on hand to teach participants about fish identification, angling techniques, safety, and angling ethics. Staff from L.L. Bean will also be available to provide fly casting instruction for those who would to like to learn a new method of fishing.

On Tuesday, April 26, the main feature of the event will take place at 9:30 a.m. when DEC’s Van Hornesville Fish Hatchery staff will be stocking the lake with approximately 2,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout. Shortly after the stocking, participants will have the opportunity to borrow fishing equipment and bait and cast their lines for free. DEC staff will be at Six Mile Waterworks the remainder of the week (4/27-4/29) to provide angling assistance and loan fishing equipment. Large groups that plan on attending are encouraged to call (518) 402-8891 to ensure equipment will be available.

Job Opportunities: New York State has setup a new job portal entitled Jobs Express, where thousands of private and public sector jobs are listed. Visit jobs.ny.gov for more information on how to apply for these opportunities.

As always, for the latest news or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, on Twitter, or my Times Union blog. If you would like to reach my office, please feel free to send us a note.

Sincerely ---

Pat