November 2001

Governor Pataki Adds Tioughnioga River to List of New York State's Major Waterways

New Legislation Will Provide Resources For Economic Development

Governor Pataki has signed legislation that will amend the Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways Act to help promote new waterfront development in communities across the State. The legislation also adds several bodies of water to the list of "major inland waterways" a step that will allow additional municipalities to apply for funding. These waterways include the Tioughnioga River, as well as others such as Great Sacandaga Lake, the Ausable River, the Genesse River and the Saranac River.

The legislation will streamline the process of obtaining State support for waterfront development projects, while also encouraging inter-municipal agreements for such projects.

The legislation signed by Governor Pataki will help to address these challenges by eliminating separate categories of "inland waterways" -- a step that will streamline the process of obtaining State financial and technical support for economic development efforts. The legislation will also facilitate the redevelopment of urban waterfronts and encourage local governments to enter into inter-municipal agreements to protect their shared environment and improve their region's economic strength. In addition, the new law will enable State agencies to provide technical and financial assistance for implementation of local waterfront revitalization programs.

Cortland County has made a formal application to the New York State Department of State for funding to support the development of a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan.