Relates to adding Wyomanock Creek to the definition of inland waterways

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to adding the Wyomanock Creek to the definition of inland waterways

Purpose

To designate the Wyomanock Creek as an Inland Waterway for purposes of the State's Coastal and Inland Waterways program.

Summary of provisions

The bill amends Subdivision 4 of Section 911 of the executive law by expanding the definition of "inland waterways" to include the Wyomanock Creek.

Justification

The Wyomanock Creek originates in the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts and crosses the border into Stephentown. The creek then flows south into New Lebanon where it passes behind the New Lebanon Junior Senior High School and other local businesses before entering the Shaker Swamp, an area which is home to many rare species and plants. Upon leaving the swamp the Wyomanock feeds into the Kinderhook Creek.

The Wyomanock Creek holds historical importance to this area. In the early 20th century the Lebanon Springs Railroad traveled along the Creek as a passenger line through New Lebanon. The rail line became part of the larger Rutland Railroad and was important as it brought milk from Vermont dairy farms to New York City. During the mid 20th century the rail line closed to passengers and freight.

Currently, there is an effort to repurpose the old rail bed of the Rutland Railroad into the Cork Screw Rail Trail which runs along the Wyomanock Creek. This trail would start in the town of Hoosick, Rensselaer County, and finish in Chatham, Columbia County, where it connects with the Harlem Rail Trail. Last summer the Town of Stephentown opened a two mile section of the Cork Screw Rail Trail. Reviving more of this route along the Wyomanock, as a recreational trail will greatly benefit New Lebanon economically.

The Wyomanock Creek is also an integral part of the Shaker Swamp which once served as hunting and fishing grounds for the Mohican Tribe. The town of New Lebanon in conjunction with the Shaker Swamp Conservancy look to build a boardwalk to exhibit the unique ecosystem and attract visitors to New Lebanon.

Designating the Wyomanock Creek as an inland waterway would allow the town of New Lebanon to apply for grants though the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. These grants will help in New Lebanon's plan to implement local waterfront revitalization programs such as the Cork Screw Rail Trail and the Shaker Swamp Conservancy, to foster the beneficial use of the waterfront and to protect and preserve the health and quality of the Wyomanock Creek for the residents of New Lebanon, Columbia County and the State of New York.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None to the State. The towns and businesses along the waterway will benefit economically.

Effective date

Immediately.