The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (June 24, 2013) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced more than $17 million in outdoor recreation improvement projects will begin this summer. The projects will continue to improve recreation areas located on public lands, including campgrounds, day use areas, trails and boat launches.

“Improving the infrastructure of New York’s outdoor recreation hot spots will help spur economic development and job creation, boost tourism and strengthen regional economies,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York’s vast network of camping, hiking, fishing and boating recreation sites provide millions of tourists with incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures at every turn. This funding, an important component of our New York Works program, will help upgrade and expand recreation prospects across the state and allow even more visitors to take advantage of the tremendous natural resources New York has to offer.”

State lands support New York’s vibrant, $54 billion outdoor recreation and tourism industries, which are a key component of many regional economies. The recreation projects, funded from NY Works II and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), are designed to benefit communities that host the State’s vast network of outdoor recreation facilities, including those in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves, State forests, and wildlife management areas. Last year, more than 10 million people visited State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) lands and facilities.

Under New York Works II, $12 million will fund 27 projects across the State to develop, renovate or reconstruct boat launches; improve trails and public access, including work related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance; and upgrade infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities and buildings. In addition, 83 projects totaling $5 million will use EPF awards for projects that include enhanced fishing and boating access, educational camp and center improvements, new kiosks, and upgrades to campgrounds, day use areas, roads and parking areas.

The improvements in Sullivan County are:

Mongaup Pond Campground
Recycle Building & Roof Repair, install backup generator
Sullivan Co. – $140,000

Beaverkill Campground
Water System Improvements
Sullivan Co. – $20,000

Camp Debruce
Camp Debruce DOH Required & other Improvements
Sullivan Co. – $16,085

Camp Debruce Building Improvements
LODGE: replace inefficient fluorescent lights; Purchase and install AC in First Aid Building; Purchase and install fans in camper cabins; Purchase and install operable windows with screens in two director’s cabins
Sullivan Co. – $20,000

Lower Hudson Valley
Region 3 Boat Docks
Region 3 Boat Docks – Various
Various areas – $40,000