Designates the Claverack Creek, the Taghkanic Creek and the Agawamuck Creek as parts of the inland waterway system

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to designating the Claverack Creek, the Taghkanic Creek and the Agawamuck Creek as parts of the inland waterway system

Purpose or general idea of the bill

This bill would add the Claverack, Taghkanic, and Agawamuck creeks to the list of inland waterways as defined by the state.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends the list of inland waterways, adding the Taghkanic, Claverack, and Agawamuck creeks.

Section 2 sets the effective date.

Justification

By adding these three creeks to the list of inland waterways, the municipalities that contain them would have access to additional funding mechanisms from both the state and federal governments, including potential federal funding to protect these creeks.

The creeks in question have long been important to the character and history of these Columbia County communities, which include the Towns of Stockport, Greenport, Claverack, Livingston, Taghkanic, and the Village of Philmont. These waterways have considerable historic value as waterways as they include several colonial historic sites along their banks, such as bridges and mills.

The state funding (through programs such as the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program) that these communities would now be eligible for would, among other things, aid in efforts to restore infrastructure that would allow for walking, biking, and fishing, enhancing the tourism industry in the area. These efforts would enhance these historic sites and, and by proxy, help the economy of Columbia County and neighboring areas.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal impact

None, though it would make the municipalities that contain these creeks eligible for additional grants.

Effective date

Immediately.