Project Funded by $296,000 in NY Works Funding Provides Enhanced Recreational Access to Hudson River

Supports Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside Campaign

DEC Reminds Boaters to Clean, Drain, Dry and Be Safe on New York Waterways

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4 Director Sean Mahar today announced the installation of two new floating docks at the Bethlehem Boat Launch located at the north end of Henry Hudson Park along the shores of the Hudson River in the Town of Bethlehem. The $296,000 project was funded through the NY Works Program, a major capital funding initiative dedicated to repairing and maintaining State-owned environmental infrastructure, including State campgrounds and fishing access sites. 

“Through Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to make investments to improve access and enhance experiences for visitors to our beautiful outdoor spaces,” Director Mahar said. “I commend DEC staff from Operations and Bureau of Fisheries and our partners at the Town of Bethlehem for completing the project ahead of the Memorial Day weekend so boaters can enjoy the new docks and have a safe summer on the water.” 

Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven said, “Bethlehem boasts 10 miles of Hudson River shoreline, and we are so grateful to DEC and Governor Hochul for actively supporting outdoor recreation and access to this wonderful river.” 

Bethlehem Administrator of Parks and Recreation Jason Gallo said, “The new docks make it even easier for boaters and anglers to enjoy the Hudson River and Bethlehem’s beautiful Henry Hudson Park.?We could not have done this project without DEC’s generous support.” 

Located off Route 144 in Cedar Hill along the banks of the Hudson River, Henry Hudson Park is one of Albany County’s brightest gems, with picnic areas, an accessible fishing area, pavilion, playgrounds, and a softball field, among other amenities.   

The new docks at the motorized boat launch support Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside campaign which encourages New York’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first.  

DEC is reminding recreationists to Clean, Drain, Dry their boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment before launching in New York’s waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Aquatic Invasive Species, including plants and fish, can harm ecosystems, threaten biodiversity, carry diseases, prey on native fish eggs and fry, and out-compete native species, creating ecological damage and significant negative impacts on water recreation and local economies.   

DEC is also reminding boaters to be safe on New York waterways this summer. Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) are participating with other State and local law enforcement agencies to recognize “National Safe Boating Week” (May 16 – 22).highlighting boating safety and raising awareness about the importance of wearing life jackets through the “Wear It” campaign – a national initiative encouraging boaters to voluntarily and consistently wear life jackets. 

 To learn more about boating in New York State, including boater safety course information, visit DEC’s website.