Officials, Nonprofits Call for Green Investment for State's Health and Economy

HUDSON VALLEY – A group of 11 bipartisan elected officials and more than 25 nonprofit environmental and community groups is calling on Gov. David A. Paterson and the state legislature to keep their word on funding for the state's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Although the EPF is less than 1 percent of the state budget and for this year was reduced by nearly 25 percent from funding levels passed into law in 2007, the program creates economic stimulus and spurs private investment in nearly every region of the state. The group says doing right by the EPF is a win-win because the investment in land, healthy air and water, maintaining working farms, and other green infrastructure improvements is not only good for the environment, it is good for business.

EPF land protection programs are green economic stimulus

The EPF proponents stated that a small investment by the state in land protection creates enormous economic stimulus and serves as a catalyst for private investment. Each $1 of state EPF funds invested can generate as much as $40 in private funds, according to a NYS Preservation Plan study. The elected officials and advocates used real-life projects (PDF, 64K) to showcase that the EPF produces huge investment returns through creating jobs, generating tax revenues that reduce property-tax increases, and producing spending to fuel regional economies.

State Senator Neil D. Breslin (D,IP,WF-Albany County) said, "I successfully fought for $17 million in new funding for the Environmental Protection Fund while rejecting the proposed $45-million cash sweep during this year's budget negotiations. Even in these harsh fiscal times, it is imperative to protect and enhance environmental programs in order to promote job creation and tourism in New York State. A clean and healthy environment is crucial to maintaining and strengthening our economy. A delay in the EPF disbursement will weaken the state's environmental agenda."

State Senator Vincent L. Leibell (R-Patterson) said, "The Environmental Protection Fund provides critical services to our communities in a cost-effective manner. By preserving land we are safeguarding the quality of drinking water at its sources and providing healthy local food. By supporting land conservation, the Greenway agency and the Hudson River Estuary Program--a model of how state government can work--we are encouraging public-private partnerships that leverage state investment with municipal and nonprofit commitments. These programs are critical to the stability and recovery of New York State."

State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) said, "We simply must honor our commitment to the EPF. To do otherwise would be foolhardy and short-sighted. The green infrastructure projects funded by the EPF are essential not only to the environment but to our economy as well, generating millions of dollars in tourism spending and additional tax revenues while creating thousands of new jobs in Westchester County alone."

State Senator Steve Saland (R,C,I-Poughkeepsie) said, "At a time of fiscal crisis, we must not only reduce spending but also seek avenues that will generate job growth. For every dollar spent through the Environmental Protection Fund, the state and the taxpayers reap benefits. As the author of the legislation that created the Hudson River Valley Greenway, I have long recognized that investments in land acquisition and land conservation are proven winners benefiting the tourism and agribusiness industries, which generate hundreds of millions in revenue and tens of thousands of jobs in the Hudson Valley economy. Smart investments like this will help lead the way to economic recovery and enhance our quality of life."

State Senator Antoine M. Thompson (D-parts of Erie and Niagara counties) said, "As chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, it is important to me to preserve EPF funding. Providing funding for the EPF is a necessity that not only benefits our natural resources but also contributes to economic development."

Assemblyman Kevin A. Cahill (D-Ulster and Dutchess counties) said, "The EPF has created a partnership between the government and the public and private sector to develop effective strategies for smart growth, environmental conservation and sustainable economic development. I invite the public to be vocal in their support, and I urge the governor and my colleagues to continue our commitment to these initiatives by maintaining funding for the EPF in future budget agreements."

Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie) said, "As an assemblyman who represents parts of the Hudson Valley, Northern Catskills and Southern Tier, I understand and support the governor's effort to balance the budget. For this process to be beneficial, however, he needs to bring us all in as partners to prioritize expenditures and jointly decide where cuts can be made. Unilaterally sweeping funds out of accounts may not be in the public's best interest and may be counterproductive in the long run. So, I encourage the governor to bring the Legislature back to work with him on the budget as quickly as possible."

Assemblyman Marc Molinaro (R,C,I-Red Hook), said "When we commit to do something, such as not raid the Environmental Protection Fund, we ought to stick with it. The EPF is an essential tool for municipalities, farmers and other advocates in our ongoing crusade to preserve our natural resources, protect vital open space and improve our overall quality of life. Dipping into this pot of funds will not solve our state's spending woes. Instead these monies must be earmarked for their intended purpose. By molding consensus and working together, we can make certain that EPF funds are not swept into the General Fund. What we do to preserve the natural heritage of our state has lasting environmental and economic benefits. We are temporary stewards, and we must do all we can to leave to future generations a quality of life better than the one we inherited. The EPF is one of the most effective tools in our toolbox."

Assemblyman Frank Skartados (D-Milton) said, "We made the right decision earlier this year to ensure the final budget provided essential funding for the Environmental Protection Fund, and I expect those funds to be used for their intended purposes. Even in tough economic times like these, we can't pilfer funds intended for critical land protection, conservation and acquisition programs to plug holes elsewhere in the budget. These important environmental programs not only protect our environment and quality of life but are tools to help foster much-needed economic growth in the Hudson Valley and throughout the state."

Assemblyman Bob Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst) said, "As chairman of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation, I know that the Environmental Protection Fund represents an investment that reaps large returns for the people of New York State. Protecting our drinking water supplies at their source, protecting farms, waterfronts and natural landscapes provides incalculable benefits to New Yorkers. I firmly support full funding for the EPF and am committed to continuing my work to ensure that the fund delivers on its promise."

Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein (D) said, "The important investments in support of agricultural businesses, natural resources preservation, waterfront revitalization and smart growth initiatives, made through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and Hudson Valley Greenway, play a key role in sustainable economic development in Ulster County. In fact, two of the key drivers of the Ulster County economy are tourism (including eco-tourism, agri-tourism and outdoor sports tourism) and agriculture. Both of these vital sectors benefit significantly from EPF and Greenway funding. Gone are the days when environment and business were competing sectors. Here in Ulster County, business and environmental interests intersect in a multitude of ways--and to the mutual benefit of a wide variety of stakeholders."

EPF land acquisition and waterfront revitalization programs help sustain 1 in every 16 NYS jobs

EPF land acquisition is critical for growing the state's tourism industry. Per a 2008 report by the firm Tourism Economics of Philadelphia, Penn., based on data from the NYS Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Commerce--tourism is responsible for 672,000 jobs, or 6.1 percent of all employment across New York. The report further identified that in the 10-county Hudson Valley region, tourism each year creates $4.7 billion in spending, employs 80,000 people and contributes nearly $300 million in local taxes. See this summary for details (PDF, 55K).

Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, "Preserving land and creating family-friendly parks now is a documented asset in job creation. Surveys show that CEOs nationwide consider the Hudson Valley's natural beauty and quality of life the main draw in considering moving jobs here. Scenic Hudson hopes Governor Paterson and legislative leaders will remember this and make good on their promise to halt raids on the EPF. We're looking to Governor Paterson's leadership in his executive budget to present a strong EPF with continued funding for open space, farmland and public parks--New York's economic stimulus package."

NYS Tourism Promotion Council President and Dutchess County Tourism Director Mary Kay Vrba said, "The EPF is a critical tool for building the Hudson Valley's tourism infrastructure and a major economic driver in the region. The EPF, together with the I Love NY Matching Fund Program, enables tourism officials to realize projects that connect with our rich heritage and scenic resources, and promote the Hudson Valley on a national and global scale. The I Love NY Matching Fund Program has been reduced at a time when investments in marketing are more important than ever to capitalize on the state's green infrastructure."

Westchester Land Trust Executive Director Benjamin L. Spinelli said, "In order to remain competitive in the 21st century, New York needs to protect the quality of life for current and future residents. That means making an investment in appropriate planning, conservation of resources, retaining agriculture as a viable part of the landscape and the economy, and providing adequate recreational opportunities and open space. The EPF is a vital part of achieving these goals. This is an obligation that we owe to New York's next generation that we simply cannot abdicate due to a temporary economic setback. Failure to fund these programs now will compromise the state's future ability to take full advantage of the economic recovery when it occurs."

Clearwater Executive Director Jeff Rumpf said, "Putting the 'eco' back in economy is still the best way to create opportunities for sustainable growth and new green jobs. A good deal of the EPF targets important projects in and around New York's post-industrial cities, including those along the Hudson River, which truly need this kind of bolstering and support. Establishing a major pipeline for green jobs can also solve many of our environmental problems, so it's important to continue the work already begun in preparing the next generation of green-minded leaders for this effort. Reducing the EPF severely hampers all of this, however. The clear objective for our state governmental leaders should be to immediately release previously approved EPF and estuary grants with an understanding that deciding not to do so will result in a regrettable step backwards for emerging green job sectors."

Land Trust Alliance New York Conservation Manager Ethan Winter said, "EPF programs generate a tremendous return on investment for all New Yorkers. The Conservation Partnership Program, an EPF program of great importance to Hudson Valley land trusts, is a case in point. Since 2002, the Conservation Partnership Program has enabled local land trusts to create jobs and leverage over $10 million in private funds. Much of this capacity-building has taken place in the Hudson Valley, helping to make the region a national leader in community-based land conservation. A strong and stable EPF is critical to the Hudson Valley's continued success in smart growth planning and environmental protection."

EPF land conservation programs support agriculture--a leading business sector vital to sustainability

Likewise, the EPF supports farm businesses that are responsible for $4.5 billion in sales of farm products statewide and $500 million in the Hudson Valley. Farms and related businesses are part of farm and food industry sectors that annually contribute $23 billion to the state economy. Hudson Valley farms are an increasingly important draw for tourism within scenic landscapes that encompass 1,000 square miles in the valley. In addition to economic benefits, farming provides secure local supplies of fresh food and highly cost-effective ways to improve two pressing environmental challenges – water quality and climate change. The above data is from the Glynwood Center, Cold Spring, N.Y.; NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Cornell University and American Farmland Trust.

Columbia Land Conservancy Executive Director Peter Paden said, "The economic future of Columbia County depends to a very great extent on our ability to nurture a renewed and vibrant farming sector and to attract visitors and tourists to our extraordinarily scenic countryside. The EPF has been the only significant source of public funds available to the Columbia Land Conservancy for farmland protection and forest and parkland acquisition projects. The loss or further diminution of this funding would be devastating to our work to secure the economic and environmental health of this great area."

Open Space Institute President Joe Martens said, "The EPF is at the core of what makes New York a great state for business: clean water, historic landscapes, fabulous parks and working farms. It is an investment in New York's future."

Hudson Highlands Land Trust Executive Director Andy Chmar said, "Environmental funding has been the critical element to preserving the Highlands region of the Hudson River Valley. Vital EPF funding has enhanced recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers--by expanding four state parks--protected drinking water for thousands of residents, and preserved the shrinking farm community. We should be adding to the EPF for all of these reasons and more."

State's Estuary Program another high-benefit piece of EPF

While EPF monies for land preservation and farmland protection are important parts of the EPF, it also supports the Hudson River Estuary Program--a state and private-sector partnership that encourages counties, towns and villages in the Hudson Valley to embrace stewardship of their unique land and waterfront assets and to plan the future of their communities while protecting the general health and beauty of the region. The Estuary Program and its partners conserve the Hudson River's natural resources, clean up pollution and promote public use of the river--all of which pose economic advantages. In addition to supporting the tourism economy, the Estuary Program protects and enhances the Hudson Valley's unique quality of life, a cornerstone of a sustainable economy for the region.

According to the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation and its 2008 survey of 2,000 corporate executives and site-selection professionals nationwide, the valley's quality of life, nature and beauty are leading selling points. The Empire State Development Corporation indicates that the Mid-Hudson Region has the largest concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters in the state outside of New York City.

Hudson Riverkeeper Alex Matthiessen said, "It is clear that an investment in the Environmental Protection Fund is an investment in New York's economy and future prosperity. Clean air and water and beautiful landscapes draw tourists, businesses and employees to our great state and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Hudson River Valley, where land preservation and river restoration has helped revitalize the region."

Historic Hudson River Towns Waterfront Director Barney Molloy said, "The Hudson River Estuary and Waterfront Revitalization grants programs provide an important economic stimulus to municipalities in the Hudson Valley. Through the release of EPF funds, we can expect to create jobs, protect clean drinking water and enhance aging infrastructure, which keeps our region competitive in a global economy."

Winnakee Land Trust Executive Director Lucy Hayden said, "EPF funding--through the Land Trust Alliance, the Hudson River Valley Greenway, the DEC's Estuary Program, and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation--is essential to Winnakee Land Trust's continued service to northern Dutchess County communities. Through support of parks and trails, watershed protection programs, farmland protection and preservation of open space, this funding directly provides impetus to our local economies, which rely on tourism and agriculture for financial stability and well-being. Please continue to fund these vital programs."

The Nature Conservancy, Eastern New York Director Katie Dolan said, "In a year of instability and uncertainty, it is even more important to stick with programs that work. Among the things that work well in New York are the Hudson River Estuary Program, with its powerful and sensible Action Agenda, the EPF land fund for open space, and waterfront revitalization. This is the time to stand by commitments, ensuring that we continue to protect the open space and ecological health of the Hudson Valley and beyond."

Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance President and CEO Roland Lewis said, "Environmental quality and access to the Hudson River and New York Harbor is critical for economic renewal of both the Hudson Valley region and New York City's waterfront. By opening recreational and business opportunities to the waters that surround us, millions of city residents from all walks of life benefit through their enjoyment of a world-class river and harbor, from the Verrazano Narrows to the Palisades and beyond. We need a fully funded Hudson River Estuary program to realize this vision."

The Trust for Public Land NY State Director Leslie Wright said, "The Environmental Protection Fund has been a tremendous investment for New York State, funding protection of special places across the state and, especially, the Hudson Valley. The numbers speak for themselves--the EPF's dollars leverage and stretch into enormous economic and public health benefits. In the current economic climate, it is critical to preserve and protect this far-reaching investment by the State of New York."

Audubon New York Executive Director Albert E. Caccese said, "With habitat loss remaining the leading threat to many of our most at-risk bird species in the Hudson Valley and across the state, we need the critical programs supported by the EPF and the Estuary Program now more than ever. An investment in the EPF plays a central role in the state's economic recovery by providing opportunities for ecotourism, protecting clean water and open space resources, and reducing costs to municipalities."

Orange County Land Trust Executive Director Jim Delaune said, "The issue of funding for land conservation goes beyond the issue of aesthetics, beyond having a nice view or a place to walk. The matter at hand is whether we want to pay now or pay later. Protecting biodiverse lands means clean water for our communities. Protecting agribusiness in the region means lower food costs, local jobs and the availability of locally produced fresh foods that are not shipped across the nation. Agribusiness and tourism are economic development drivers in the region, and if we don't steward and nurture the resources we have been given, then the cost is incalculable. Land conservation is not a luxury it's a necessity."

Greenway funding separate from EPF but an important piece of the picture

The Hudson River Valley Greenway is an innovative state agency promoting the intersection of the environment and economy throughout the region. Without adequate funding this group can't succeed in its innovative approaches to preserving the valley's scenic, natural, historic and recreational resources and promoting them as building blocks for economic development that complements rather than degrades these irreplaceable land and water assets. In particular the Greenway's efforts to create continuous hiking and water trails along the Hudson are vital to the Hudson Valley's economic prosperity and treasured quality of life.

The Olana Partnership President Sara Griffen said, "Olana State Historic Site is one of the most frequently visited tourism destinations in the Mid-Hudson region. The Greenway agency and Hudson River Estuary Program's focus on invigorating heritage destinations and preserving open space in the region has a direct positive effect on tourism and also creates jobs. According to a model developed for the National Park Service, Olana contributes $8.6 million to the economy and supports 293 jobs."

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin said, "The Hudson River Valley Greenway facilitates a regional approach to planning and resource management in an area of the state that continues to face tremendous development pressure. Emphasizing agriculture, tourism and revitalization of community centers and waterfronts, the Greenway is essential for the continued economic and environmental vitality of the Hudson Valley."

West Branch Conservation Association Executive Director Martus Granirer said, "EPF money has been invaluable in Rockland County. Within the past two years, a world-renowned and locally treasured historic house would have been demolished and its beautiful forest site redeveloped had it not been for a generous EPF acquisition grant. EPF is the only place in New York State we could have turned to for such funds."

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies President Dr. William H. Schlesinger said, "The Hudson River ecosystem is at a critical juncture with a need for recovery of important fisheries resources, planning for climate change and a future with less PCB contamination. Having the support for public involvement, research, education, protection and restoration is key for ensuring benefits for the people of New York State. A healthy economy will stem from a healthy environment, so the Cary Institute strongly supports the highest level of support for the EPF in the coming years. It is an investment in our successful future."

SPECIFIC CALL to Governor and legislators

On Earth Day last April, New York's environmental community celebrated a major victory with the governor and legislative leaders. Although reduced by $78 million from a level outlined by the 2007 EPF Enhancement Act, the EPF was appropriated $222 million for this year's budget. Also meaningful was a publicly made commitment not to raid EPF funding for use in the General Fund of the budget.

Now a group of legislators and nonprofit community groups is calling for Gov. Paterson and legislative leaders to make good on their commitments by:

1. Authorizing agencies that administer EPF programs focusing on land protection to spend the money appropriated for this year's budget;
2. Resisting further cuts or "sweeping" of uncommitted EPF balances into the General Fund of the budget;
3. Maintaining funding for the Hudson River Valley Greenway and providing promised resources to fulfill the Hudson River Estuary Program's Action Agenda as well as Waterfront Revitalization grants that protect the region's waterfronts and water resources.

Complete list of participating organizations

• American Farmland Trust
• Audubon New York
• Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
• Columbia Land Conservancy
• Dutchess County Tourism
• Esopus Creek Conservancy
• Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs
• Historic Hudson River Towns
• Hudson Highlands Land Trust
• Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc.
• Land Trust Alliance
• Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
• Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy
• The Nature Conservancy
• New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
• Olana Partnership
• Open Space Institute
• Orange County Land Trust
• Parks & Trails New York
• Rensselaer Land Trust
• Riverkeeper
• Scenic Hudson
• The Trust for Public Land
• Walkill Valley Land Trust
• West Branch Conservation Association
• Westchester Land Trust
• Winnakee Land Trust

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally and economically healthy communities, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources.

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