U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer yesterday stood with local advocates in front of the historic Hudson River waterfront to voice his support for increased, expanded, and improved pedestrian, fishing and boater access to the waterfront communities of the Hudson Valley.
The federal government has historically partnered with local stakeholders to increase water and recreational opportunities, and Schumer said that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) should put their full weight and resources behind new water access improvement projects in Orange County.
Previous plans have successfully identified and mapped prime locations for waterfront access, and new plans offer tangible opportunities to build on historic achievements up and down the Hudson River.
Schumer said that this is just one of many supplementary efforts that could be used to support the creation of increased and improved access points along the Hudson River.
At some parks and points of entry, increased parking would need USACE approval. At others, dredging – approved by both the EPA and USACE – could be needed to increase boater access and drop off points.
Schumer said that locals have already begun developing a plan for improving river access points in the Hudson River Estuary area from the Tappan Zee Bridge to the Federal Dam at Troy, which includes many points in Orange County.
The community planning process, which includes regional meetings, began in January 2015.
During this process, which is expected to last 15 months, participating municipalities will work to identify specific projects to be considered for inclusion in this Hudson River Comprehensive Restoration Plan, of which Schumer is hoping to garner federal support and guidance to aid localities in this effort.