Good afternoon, my name is Matthew Washington; I am the Deputy Director of Friends of Hudson River Park. I would like to thank you for your support of Hudson River Park over the years as it has become a flagship for new park development. This is a direct result of continued support for the Park from the New York State Legislature and because of it, Hudson River Park has become a wonderful regional destination that annually welcomes over 17 million visitors from the five boroughs, New York State and from across the globe.

The City of New York has budgeted $11 million dollars for Hudson River Park in its upcoming fiscal year, but will only release funding equal to the State’s appropriation. In Governor Paterson’s FY 2010-11 Executive Budget, the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) includes $3 million to continue construction in Hudson River Park, this would not allow the park to access the additional $8 million in the New York City budget and it represents a decrease of 50% from last year’s New York State appropriation of $6 million for Hudson River Park.

 

Although we have projects “ready to go” and would be able to fully utilize an appropriation of $11 million, we fully appreciate the current fiscal challenges being faced by the State and are therefore asking for the minimum amount of $5 million, which is necessary to make sure that work can continue in the Park. Without this appropriation, construction would be in jeopardy of coming to a standstill for the first time since construction began in 1999 and the related jobs will be at risk of being lost.

 

Over the years, Hudson River Park has had a dramatic impact on New Yorkers and has become a center piece of Manhattan’s Westside. The Park is an example of important waterfront stewardship and serves as a community resource as well as an economic development asset to the surrounding neighborhoods. According to a study Friends of Hudson River Park released in 2008, it was the catalyst of rising property values in its surrounding neighborhoods, generating significant returns on investment for New York. This contributes to a rising tax base and provides for other essential services the public requires.

 

Since its creation, Friends has worked closely with the Hudson River Park Trust to ensure the eventual completion of Hudson River Park and to uphold the integrity of the Hudson River Park Act. We owe much of our success to our supporters and elected officials. As your partner in this endeavor, we know that with a $5 million investment in the Park in the FY 2010-11 State Budget will help the State protect jobs and further enhance this valuable assets to the many communities it serves. And the park has to this point been able to generate enough revenue to maintain its own operation without needing to pull from limited resources from the State or City of New York.

 

The challenges being faced by Hudson River Park are shared challenges of many of the programs being funded through the EPF. This Fund has served as an investment in both our economy and quality of life. Many projects being funded through the EPF have been able stimulate economic growth and encourage healthier lifestyles with increased open and park space for recreation and better air quality. The EPF has been great for New York State and it is in need of careful consideration and detail.

 

The EPF has provided for a variety of programs, including park, community gardens, wetlands, farms, recycling, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and much more throughout New York State that we all love and cherish. This wide range of programs has enhanced the quality of our lives and we must stand together to ensure this great work is preserved for future generations.

 

In closing, thank you for giving me the opportunity to testify today. Friends of Hudson River Park looks forward to working with you to protect the EPF and to help ensure the completion and care of Hudson River Park for all.

Thank you.