U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will provide $779,000 to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Park 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 the Shawangunk wildlife refuge preserve the rich history and natural heritage of the Hudson Valley by conserving and restoring awe-inspiring landscapes, important historic sites 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 Shawangunk Grasslands National Park make the Hudson Valley 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.”
The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 540 units in the National Wildlife Refuge System, which is part of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge helps conserve the biological diversity of the Wallkill Valley by protecting and managing land, with a special emphasis on grassland birds, wintering raptors, and endangered species, while providing opportunities for scientific research and compatible public use.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will provide $779,000 to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Park 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