U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will provide $50,000 to Lake Champlain through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for construction, energy efficiency, habitat restoration and other improvement projects to create jobs and the preserve the nation’s fish and wildlife resources. A total of $10.6 million has been administered to New York State wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries and other public and private lands to ensure that the nation’s fish and wildlife resources, landscapes, and rich heritage are conserved for future generations.
“These projects are a wise investment in the short and long term,” said Schumer. “These funds will help preserve the rich history and natural heritage of Lake Champlain by conserving and restoring the awe-inspiring landscapes and crucial wildlife habitat for generations to come. This region’s natural beauty is the cornerstone of our thriving tourism-fueled economy and supporting that sector is key to preserving and creating jobs.”
“Natural resources like the Lake Champlain make the North Country a great place to live, work, and play,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “It is important that we invest in New York’s indispensable natural, economic, and recreational resources. Restoring, conserving ,and preserving our environment will promote economic revitalization in our communities. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”
Lake Champlain is a natural, freshwater lake that forms the Eastern border of New York State along Clinton, Essex and Washington Counties. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will provide $50,000 to Lake Champlain and a total of $10.6 million in funding for projects in New York State. The projects will immediately create local jobs in communities across New York, while stimulating long-term employment and economic opportunities for the American public.
The funding for New York State will go to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service projects, including:
Capital Improvements
Deferred Maintenance of facilities and infrastructure
Habitat Restoration
Reconstruction and Repair of Service buildings and other structures