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Gov. Andrew Cuomo: $25 million to fix Niagara Falls State Park

by jmaloni
Wed, Apr 4th 2012 11:00 pm

New York Works Projects investment to repair 6 parks

Press release

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a $29.7 million investment for New York Works projects to upgrade and repair six parks in Western New York.

New York Works is designed to reinvent state economic development with innovative new strategy that will put New Yorkers back to work rebuilding the state's infrastructure. The task force will help create tens of thousands of jobs by coordinating comprehensive capital plans, overseeing investment in infrastructure projects, and accelerating hundreds of critical projects across the state.

"New York state has passed, for the second year in a row, a transformative and balanced budget that holds the line on spending, while focusing on job creation and government efficiency," Cuomo said. "The centerpiece of this budget is the New York Works program, a new strategy for leveraging capital to put New Yorkers back to work and rebuilding our aging infrastructure, including the state park system that is used by so many people across the state."

State Sen. George D. Maziarz said, "There has been a great need to devote resources to help rehabilitate parks in my district for a number of years. This being the largest investment of capital dollars in New York State Parks in history, I commend Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for making this a part of this year's budget. This investment in our area's future will go a long way to enhance the beauty and visiting experience of these assets to our community."

State Sen. Catharine Young said, "Parks were one of my family's favorite places to visit when I was a kid, and it has been gratifying to represent several parks as a senator. We worked with Governor Cuomo to deliver these infrastructure improvements that will ensure that countless other families can experience and enjoy this state's parks. They are not only important to our economy, but they also enrich our quality of life."

State Sen. Mark Grisanti said, "After years of neglect and disrepair, I am thrilled that this year's budget will give the single largest infusion of capital dollars in history towards the rehabilitation of state parks through the New York Works Fund. In Western New York, we treasure our state parks from Knox Farm to Artpark. This investment in the parks system will help facilitate needed repairs and upgrades to ensure that all who visit a state park have an enjoyable experience."

Assemblyman Robin Schimminger said, "Investing our state's parks enhances New York's natural treasures and invests in our local economies. As such, I am pleased that close to $5 million in funding has been allocated to support job-creating improvement projects at the state parks across western New York."

Assemblyman Dennis H. Gabryszak said, "Improvements to our local state parks couldn't come at a better time. With the weather getting warmer and families spending more time outside, these projects will help enhance some of Western New York's more popular destinations and hidden gems."

The budget continues the governor's commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state. It closes a multi-billion dollar deficit with no new taxes, fees or gimmicks, limits spending growth to 2 percent or below for the second year in a row, and launches the New York Works task force to invest billions of dollars to rebuild the state's roads, bridges, parks and other infrastructure, and create tens of thousands of jobs.

The budget includes key economic development and transportation initiatives, important reforms to improve government efficiency, and measures to strengthen communities across the state.

New York Works

Establishes the New York Works task force

The New York Works task force will coordinate capital plans across 45 agencies and authorities, oversee investment in projects and access to funding, and facilitate the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.

Prior to the New York Works initiative, there was no comprehensive state plan for the $16 billion in annual capital expenditures by 45 state agencies and authorities. In some cases, including with respect to projects by the Port Authority, the MTA, and the Department of Transportation, billions of dollars of taxpayer or commuter funds are being used to fund transportation plans in the same region with no coordination between the agencies. For the first time, the New York Works task force will develop a coordinated capital infrastructure plan among agencies and authorities. The task force, made up of leaders in finance, labor, planning and transportation, will also recommend financing options for projects and methods to accelerate construction of critical infrastructure.

The New York Works task force will consist of 15 members. Nine of the members will be appointed by the governor and six by the Legislature. All major state agencies and authorities will participate in an implementation council to coordinate capital planning.

All New York Works projects will be posted on the Web with real-time updates so that New Yorkers can track the progress of projects in their community. The full list will be posted online over the next several days.

Rebuilding New York's State Parks

The New York Works Fund will provide $89 million, leveraging $143 million in total funding, to rehabilitate state parks, representing the single largest infusion in history of capital dollars for New York's parks. Currently, 83 percent of state parks are deteriorating. Projects will be funded in every region of the state and will enhance the visitor experience and enable New York state parks to re-emerge after years of decline.

The New York Works Projects in Western New York are as follows:

Name/Description/Cost

Allegany State Park: Upgrade the electrical systems in the Red House and Cain Hollow campgrounds, which are currently outdated and present health and safety concerns. In addition, they cannot accommodate modern camping vehicles. $2,400,000

Allegany State Park: Reconstruct the Cain Hollow and Camp 5 restroom and shower buildings. Located in the Quaker camping area, these two deteriorated facilities are visible signs of disinvestment in this park. $950,000

Midway State Park: Construct a new building around the park's historic carousel to replacing the existing failing structure. $150,000

Niagara Falls State Park: Restore popular viewing areas and trails, rehabilitate Cave of the Winds area, design replacement for American Falls Bridge, and rehabilitate the park's roadways and infrastructure. This project will use accelerated NYPA Niagara Greenway funding to support the improvements at this flagship park. $25,000,000

Evangola State Park: Reconstruct a comfort station in Evangola State Park. $500,000

Golden Hill State Park: Reconstruct a comfort station in Golden Hill State Park. $550,000

Long Point State Park: Install a new fueling system at the marina at Long Point State Park. $150,000

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