For Immediate Release
June 22, 2004
Contact: Peter Constantakes
Assistant Secretary of State
for Public Affairs
(518) 474-4752

SECRETARY OF STATE DANIELS PRESENTS $330,000 IN CHECKS TO KINGSTON MAYOR SOTTILE FOR WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT

Ceremonies Along Rondout Creek Highlight Revitalization of City’s Waterfront

ALBANY - (June 22, 2004) - New York State Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels visited the City of Kingston today to present ceremonial checks totaling $330,000 to Mayor James Sottile for local waterfront revitalization projects, including improvements to the East Strand area along Rondout Creek.

The city is receiving a $300,000 grant to complete streetscape and site improvements in the East Strand area that were recommendations of the city’s Waterfront Development Implementation Plan. The project will enhance the facade of the Trolley Museum, upgrade the city wastewater treatment plant, and create a parking area for visitors. In addition, the city was awarded a $30,000 grant to sponsor two boat tours by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance of the Hudson River from New York City to Troy on the fireboat John J. Harvey. The free, public tours will consist of 10 days on the Hudson River, with stops at local waterfront events and venues. The project also will document opportunities for waterfront infrastructure revitalization.

"These Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) awards build on a long and significant partnership between the City of Kingston and New York State, and the Department of State continues to work closely with the city to advance its waterfront vision," Secretary Daniels said. "Since 1996, Kingston has received six State EPF - Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) awards totaling $710,500, and the city has matched this funding to help redevelop and revitalize its waterfront into a vibrant community asset."

Among previous projects supported by EPF -LWRP grants are bulkhead construction on West Strand Park, a floating dock, and planning projects for a local waterfront revitalization strategy.

"I am pleased to welcome Secretary of State Daniels to the City of Kingston today as a proud partner in our efforts to revitalize our waterfront," Mayor Sottile said. "We have established an aggressive, comprehensive plan for our waterfront and the State has identified Kingston as an area of advanced waterfront revitalization. Our goals couldn’t be reached without the support of Secretary Daniels, and we look forward to expanding upon what we have accomplished."

Although much work has been done in recent years to make improvements to Kingston’s western Rondout waterfront and historic district, the eastern edge of the Rondout shoreline has faced significant development challenges, which have slowed progress. The East Strand grant is designed to help overcome these challenges.

In 2001, the City of Kingston began preparation of a detailed Waterfront Development Implementation Plan, which was recently completed. The plan calls for projects to resolve odor problems at the wastewater treatment plant, the creation of design standards for waterfront redevelopment, and relocation of auto and scrap recycling facilities. These projects will be supported by additional efforts, including shoreline infrastructure and marine access improvements, recreation enhancements, transportation projects, and museum enhancements.

In his remarks, Daniels noted the strong leadership of Governor Pataki in working to protect and preserve the Hudson River and surrounding environment, and also thanked the local efforts of Senator William Larkin and Assemblyman Kevin Cahill for their support in the Legislature to make funds available for waterfront projects.

At the event, Secretary Daniels also took time to publicize the new Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources website, www.nyswaterfronts.com, which contains multi-media information to help local communities and grassroots organizations improve access to the water and redevelop abandoned buildings. Instructional videos are also available upon request, including "Making the Most of Your Waterfront," which features the City of Kingston as an example of successful local waterfront revitalization.

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