Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

February 29, 2008

Contact:
Mark Thomas
716.278.1701

Commissioner Ash Addresses Niagara Tourism Group

State Parks Leader Urges Support For Spitzer Parks Revitalization Initiative

Niagara Falls, NY --New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today urged legislative support for Governor Eliot Spitzer's Upstate Revitalization Plan, in particular his proposal to restore the infrastructure of the New York State park system. In addressing the 2008 Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation, The Niagara Falls Hotel and Motel Association and the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, Ash stressed in the important role state parks and historic sites play in the tourism industry, especially in Western New York. The event was held in the Conference Center Niagara Falls and was attended by nearly 130 travel and tourism professionals from the Western New York Region.

Ash provided details regarding Spitzer's $100 million state parks revitalization plan. She indicated that if approved by the Legislature, nearly twenty percent of the money will be spent on projects within the three regions of state parks in Western New York to address a serious backlog of capital issues, safety concerns and infrastructure upgrades.

"Parks and historic properties provide more than recreation and learning opportunities for our residents. They are important to the local economies in regions throughout the state. Nowhere is that fact more important than here in Western New York. Across the state our parks and historic sites are facing an infrastructure capital backlog of more than $650 million - a vast majority being projects that are health and safety or building rehabilitation needs," Ash said.

"I am extremely gratified that the Governor's Executive Budget provides $100 million in new funding for the State Parks Infrastructure Fund to launch our Revitalization program. Governor Spitzer's $100 million commitment is the single largest capital investment in the history of the New York State Park System and if approved, 20 percent of that funding will be coming to Western New York to address critical needs," Ash added.

"No strategic partnership of the City of Niagara Falls is more important than our relationship with State Parks. Together, we share stewardship of one of the world's great natural wonders, and we are strong partners in the development and promotion of our vital tourism industry. By moving us toward realization of Frederick Law Olmsted's vision, the Governor's commitment to rebuilding the infrastructure of our parks and historic sites both protects our environmental heritage and helps guarantee our economic future," said city of Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster.

"Our agency is encouraged by Governor Spitzer's budget proposal and we applaud his commitment and vision for the state parks. We look forward to these improvements which will ultimately enhance the visitors experience to the U.S. side of the Falls," said John Percy, President and CEO of the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks, 35 historic sites, 29 golf courses and 77 developed beaches. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.nysparks.com.

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NOTE: A list of proposed WNY parks projects that will be funded through Governor Spitzer's Parks Revitalization initiative is attached.

• Additional Documents
• Governor Spitzer's Parks Revitalization Initiative (pdf)