At least $1.5M in direct funding

The Catskill Center is pleased to see significant funding and support for the Catskills in the recently enacted New York state budget (2016-17). We are also thrilled to see the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $300M. This historic level of funding continues our state's proud and leading legacy of first in the nation conservation and environmental protection, allowing for better investment in our environmental resources across New York state.

As we continue to review the budget, we are excited that the Catskills will be the recipient of at least $1.5M in direct funding for the region. This funding will support the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center, as well as begin a comprehensive recreation planning process and funding for implementation of recreational access improvement projects throughout the Catskill region.

Follow CatskillCenter.org/blog for updates!

We are very happy to see this growing support for the Catskills. We will continue to advocate for our region and will build on these successes. With your help, we will continue to grow state support that protects our environment and strengthens our communities. 

While excited to get started with this initial support, we are eager to continue to work towards an ongoing direct budget line for the Catskill Park, in the EPF's Parks and Recreation account. While a line was included, it was funded at $0 this fiscal year. We look forwarding to working with our colleagues to raise that level of funding in the near future. 

Thank you to Senators Seward, Bonacic and Amedore and Assembly Members Gunther and Cahill, and their staff, for championing our region through the state budget process! And thanks to YOU for helping make a difference in the Catskills.