New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that $750,000 in funding is now available to help the villages of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown plan and construct improvements for recreational access to the tidal waters of the Hudson River. Funding for this grant opportunity is provided by the Natural Resource Damages (NRD) General Motors (GM)/Tarrytown Hudson River Settlement. 

“This funding supports Governor Cuomo’s continued investments to create new and expanded recreation opportunities for people of all abilities and to increase access to New York’s abundant natural resources,” Commissioner Seggos said. “New York’s commitment and investment in our Hudson River estuary programs support local communities and their efforts to create a more a sustainable environment while increasing resiliency to extreme weather and flooding.” 

Approximately $750,000 is available for projects to provide new or improved access at new or existing sites for boating, fishing, swimming, enjoyment of nature, wildlife-related recreation, or educational interpretation of the Hudson River estuary. Projects must be located on publicly accessible lands along the tidal Hudson or tidal portion of a tributary within 15 miles to the north or south of the former General Motors factory location (address 199 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591) in the general vicinity of the villages of Sleepy Hollow or Tarrytown. The minimum award amount is $10,500, up to a maximum amount of $375,000.

The deadline for applications is March 20, 2019, at 3 p.m. Requests for Applications (RFAs) for “River Access in the Vicinity of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown” is available online through the NYS Grants Gateway at https://grantsgateway.ny.gov. The River Access RFA includes the application, instructions, and detailed eligibility criteria. General information about the grants is also available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5091.html.

General questions about the Hudson River Estuary grants application process may be directed to Susan Pepe, Estuary Grants Manager, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-3506; HREPgrants@dec.ny.gov.

In the 2019-20 Executive Budget proposal, Governor Cuomo sustained the record-high Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $300 million for the fourth year in a row, providing funding for open space conservation, parkland stewardship, and other environmental protection projects, including grants to reduce flooding, promote resiliency, and restore the Hudson River Estuary.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I am very pleased that additional state funds are being made available to improve the quality of life for local communities on the Hudson River. These funds will help drive innovation and make it easier for local residents and businesses to enjoy our communities’ natural beauty and prosper economically. I look forward to working with local elected officials and my colleagues in State government to continue making smart investments in our communities.”

Senator Todd Kaminsky, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, said, “Improving access to our waterways is so important to maintaining vibrant communities. The funding from this settlement will fill critical gaps in public access to the Hudson River estuary, surrounding the old General Motors factory, and I commend Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Seggos for utilizing this funding to uplift these communities.”

“This funding will enable Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown to offer much needed increased access to the Hudson River,” said Senator Pete Harckham. "Residents have been clamoring for easier accessibility to this majestic resource."

Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Chair of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, said, “Using these settlement monies to improve recreational access to the Hudson River is a great way for the villages to provide additional recreational and sporting opportunities.  Giving the public access to their river builds appreciation for the value of clean water and the many ways to experience and enjoy it.”

 “The Hudson River is the lifeblood of our River Villages. Access to the Hudson betters our residents’ quality of life and stimulates economic growth. DEC’s grant makes it a welcome partner in our village’s efforts to provide improved access and a more vibrant community,” said Assemblyman Tom Abinanti.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “The mighty Hudson River has long been a source of life and recreation for our region and these funds will allow Westchester residents to continue this rich tradition for generations to come. Thank you to Governor Cuomo and his Administration for their dedication to our river-towns communities and commitment to their future.”

DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program helps people enjoy, protect, and revitalize the Hudson River and its valley. Created in 1987, the program focuses on the tidal Hudson and its adjacent watershed from the dam at Troy to the Verrazano Narrows in New York City.