Includes the Rondout Creek in the definition of "inland waterways" for the purposes of waterfront revitalization

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to including the Rondout Creek in the definition of "inland waterways" for the purposes of waterfront revitalization

Purpose

To designate the Rondout 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 Rondout Creek.

Justification

Designation as an "inland waterway" makes the local communities along such waterway eligible to participate in New York's Coastal and Inland Waterways Program. The State offers a grant program, funded through the Environmental Protection Fund, which assists communities in developing and implementing local waterfront revitalization programs. These initiatives can be valuable in revitalizing the area and in fostering the beneficial use of waterfront.

In recent years, several waterways have been added to the definition, reflecting the interest in, and benefits of this program. This legislation would amend the definition to also include the Rondout Creek, located in Ulster and Sullivan counties.

Historically, the Rondout Creek served as an important waterway and connector to the Delaware and Hudson Canal in the movement of bluestone, cement, coal and other natural resources that directly led to the economic boon and development of the greater Kingston and Rondout areas in the early to mid-1800s. A young Sojourner Truth also notably traversed the Creek on a regular basis as a child, traveling from Kingston to Port-Ewen using a chain driven Skillypot ferry that was installed by Dutch settlers in the late 17" century. Today, the Creek maintains its purpose as a vital outlet to the Hudson River, provides recreational opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating and carries fresh headwaters from the Catskill Mountains into the Rondout Reservoir which serves a significant portion of New York City's drinking water needs. Furthermore, the tidal portion of the Rondout Creek serves as a prime spawning area for migratory fish and an important overwintering area for the Creek's bass population. Designating the Rondout Creek as an "inland waterway" will afford adjacent communities access to funding that will help them enhance and beautify their waterfront areas. Improving upon these scenic and purposeful creekfront areas will also draw in visitors whose patronage at local businesses will provide a boon to the regional economy. Lastly, tapping into New York's Coastal and Inland Waterways Program will allow communities still recovering from Superstorms Sandy and Lee to complete ongoing restoration and revitalization projects and engage in storm hardening initiatives that will better protect their waterfront areas from flooding caused by future natural disasters.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.