The State Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Betty Little that would designate the Battenkill an inland waterway making the communities along the river eligible for grants under the New York State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.

Companion legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Dan Stec passed the Assembly on Monday, June 9.  The measure was introduced at the request of local officials.

The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is a locally prepared land and water use  plan for a community’s developed, natural, public and working waterfronts.  The planning document may address issues such as recreation and commercial use of waterways and stewardship, including dredging.  The program establishes a long-term partnership among local governments, community organizations and New York State.

Funding to develop and implement Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs is available from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.  Last year, 51 projects totaling over $12 million were funded.

“The goal is to maximize the economic development potential of waterfronts while planning for and managing these assets in a smart and sustainable way,” said Senator Little.  “It’s a community-driven process.”

The legislation will return to the Assembly before being sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo for consideration.

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