Four local projects were among dozens statewide awarded funding through two state initiatives, Kathy Hochul announced last week.
As part of $463 million being distributed to address New York’s housing crisis and jump-start regional economies, projects in Olive, Shandaken, Hunter and Woodstock are slated to receive funding.
In Hunter, $1.166 million will go toward relocating a Department of Public Works garage in the Village of Tannersville out of the 100-year floodplain of Gooseberry Creek. According to the announcement, the new facility will be shared by the town of Hunter and the Hunter-Tannersville Central School District. During Hurricane Irene in 2011, floodwaters reached nearly three feet inside the existing garage.
The Ashokan Center in Olive was awarded $100,000 to support its Winter and Summer Hoot festivals. The funds will cover event-related fees and strategic marketing aimed at boosting tourism, increasing overnight stays and strengthening the regional economy, according to the announcement.
Ulster County received $300,000 to build 2.6 miles of rail trail in Shandaken. The trail, planned along a former Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor, will accommodate cycling, cross-country skiing and walking. The project includes rehabilitation of two bridges, removal of tracks and ties, and new trail surfacing.
In Woodstock, $46,000 will support development of a bike and pedestrian plan for the town center extending west toward Bearsville. A study assessing existing infrastructure, safety and accessibility is expected to begin in the new year.
The funding comes from two state initiatives: $150 million through the Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion competition and $313 million through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
“I remain grateful for everyone involved in advancing the work of the Regional Economic Development Councils,” Hochul said in the announcement. “Their dedication to this ongoing public-private effort has had a transformational impact in every corner of the state.”
Jim Rich is a senior reporter for The Overlook. You can reach him at jim@theoverlooknews.com.
