Washington, D.C. – U.S.
Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,942,000
to make critical improvements to National Parks in the Hudson Valley area,
including the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thomas Cole, and Martin Van
Buren, as well as the Vanderbilt Mansion and the Appalachian Scenic Trail. The
funds will support job creation and provide critical improvements to these
historic sites. These improvement projects are part of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act, which Senators Gillibrand and Schumer helped pass
earlier this year.
“This funding will create jobs even while it
preserves historical sites and parks, and will protect New York State’s
history for our children and our grandchildren,” said Schumer. “I am
particularly pleased with this investment in the FDR library, which is one of
the true historic gems in the Hudson Valley.”
“This is great news for Hudson Valley,” Senator Gillibrand said. “As New
Yorkers, we cherish our parks and historic sites. These funds will go a
long way in making the improvements our parks need, while supporting our
economic recovery. I pledge to continue working with Senator Schumer and the entire
New York Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share of federal
dollars.”
The following investments are included to improve National Parks in the Hudson
Valley:
- Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt: $1,691,000
to rehabilitate stone walls, the Ice Pond dam, the greenhouse, as well as to
expand existing horticulture recycling projects; - Thomas Cole House: $343,000 to
rehabilitate the Thomas Cole House; - Vanderbilt Mansion: $723,000 to
rehabilitate the upper and middle dams, as well as the historic Vanderbilt elevator; - Appalachian Scenic State Trail: $90,000
to rehabilitate the Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain;
- Martin Van Buren House: $95,000 to
restore basement floor.
The funds for Hudson Valley’s National Parks are part of a $750 million
investment in parks across the country to support job creation and help enhance
the experience for visitors, while conserving our nation’s heritage and history
for future generations.
Senators Schumer and Gillibrand are strong supporters of
President Obama’s economic plan. The investment will help create or save more
than 200,000 jobs in New York, while laying the foundation of future economic
growth with critical investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, health
care technology and education.