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Parks & Trails New York Commends State Leaders
for Investment in Parks and Environment in Final State Budget
Parks & Trails New York Commends State Leaders for Investment in Parks and Environment in Final State Budget

New York State Parks and Historic Sites
The final budget includes a $90 million investment to address the backlog of infrastructure needs at New York State Parks and Historic Sites. In addition, the five-year capital plan includes $90 million for the state park system in each of the next five years, signaling a long-term commitment to providing substantial annual capital funding for state parks and historic sites. The budget also maintains the operations budget of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).

�Parks & Trails New York is pleased that Governor Cuomo and the Legislature continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to our state parks and historic sites,� said Robin Dropkin, Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) Executive Director. �This infusion of capital funding will help continue the revitalization of our state park system and secure our parks and conservation legacy for future generations.�

State leaders have shown strong support for New York�s state parks and historic sites in recent years, allowing the agency to continue its progress in addressing the more than $1 billion in infrastructure needs and critical safety repairs at state parks and historic sites, such as replacing aging water and sewer systems, rehabilitating restrooms, and repairing bridges, dams, roads, leaky roofs and swimming pools. This investment in our state park system, leveraged with additional private and federal investment, is creating local jobs, boosting tourism in communities across the state, and helping to grow the state�s economy sustainably.

�The new state budget reflects a recognition of the important role state parks play in local economic growth, protection of important natural areas, and providing affordable, close-to-home recreational opportunities to New Yorkers,� said Dropkin. �On behalf of the more than 60 million visitors to our state park system, PTNY thanks our state leaders for their commitment to revitalizing these treasured places.�

PTNY looks forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to keep the momentum going for parks, including partnering with the Governor and OPRHP on I Love My Park Day in May to celebrate and enhance New York�s state parks and historic sites.

Environmental Protection Fund
PTNY also applauds and thanks the Governor and the Legislature for enhancing the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) in the 2013-14 state budget. This is a first step toward reaching the shared goal of the environmental community and state leaders to continue to enhance the EPF in future years.

PTNY is especially supportive of the small increases in funding for parks through the EPF. Funding for land protection and state land stewardship is critical to state parks, particularly given the disproportionate cuts to OPRHP�s budget in recent years, and the municipal parks grant program is the lifeblood of funding for local community parks.

What is most encouraging is that the final budget highlights an understanding by state leaders of the important role state parks and environmental programs play in conserving natural resources, growing economic prosperity, and providing disaster recovery and preparedness strategies to communities. When it comes to state parks and the EPF, what�s good for the environment is also good for the state�s economy. According to a recent study, EPF programs deliver a $7 return for every $1 invested. An independent study commissioned by Parks & Trails New York showed that state parks provide a $5 to $1 return on investment.

About Parks & Trails New York
Parks & Trails New York is the leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving the health and quality of life of all New Yorkers by working with community organizations and municipalities to envision, create, promote, and protect a growing network of parks, greenways and trails throughout the state for all to use and enjoy. For more information about Parks & Trails New York visit www.ptny.org, connect to them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.

Media Contact:
Robin Dropkin
Executive Director
Parks & Trails New York
518-434-1583
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