Hurricane Sandy Resources
Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. There are several resources available to those affected by the storm.
| Greenway kayak racks and kiosk at Croton Landing survived Sandy - credit Bob Elliott |
Governor Cuomo's website has the latest updates on many topics, including:
- How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
- Warming Centers & Tips for Cold Weather
- Bridges, Subways, Commuter Railways & Roads
- Disaster Assistance
- DMV Extensions
- Environmental Safety Concerns
- Food Assistance
- Health
- Insurance
- Power Outage Updates
- Shelter Information
- Avoiding Storm Recovery Scams
- Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extensions
- Unemployment Insurance
Hurricane Sandy Helpline: 1-888-769-7243
Disaster Assistance: 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) 1-800-462-7585 (TTY)
- The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has an abundance of information and updates on their website: www.dhses.ny.gov . New Yorkers affected by the storm can apply for disaster relief assistance. More information and the application process can be found here: www.disasterassistance.gov .
- The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has updated many of its webpages with information about hurricane recovery and relief efforts, including permits and other important resources. See their Storm Information page for links and information.
- The NY-NJ Trail Conference has information about trail and park closures on their website.
Hurricane Sandy has been a reminder of the potential challenges presented by climate change, and the value of preserving our natural areas for things like flood control and water retention. Many of our partner organizations have upcoming grants, workshops, and other activities related to climate change adaptation and sea level rise in the Hudson Valley. Please look for these important happenings in the Grants and Events sections below.
Hudson River Valley Greenway October Board Meeting
The Hudson River Valley Greenway held a Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 17th at the Historic Cornell Boathouse at Marist College. Senator Steve Saland announced the recipients of the 2012 Greenway Conservancy Small Grants. This program has awarded $1.5 million for trail related projects since 1994. This year's awardees include:
- Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Columbia County: Copake Falls to Hillsdale Early Trail Opening Project - $15,000
- BeaconArts Community Association, Dutchess County: Beacon Loop Trail bicycle trail improvements and education workshops - $2,616
| Mark Castiglione presents an award to Fred DeMay and Marybeth Pettit from the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance |
- Town of Stillwater, Saratoga County: Stillwater Champlain Canal/Hudson River Historic Multi-Use Trail- $10,000
- Mohonk Preserve, Ulster County: Master planning to develop a Foothills trail access, linkage and circulation master plan - $5,000
- Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Inc., Rensselaer County: Process for Trail network Vision Plan - $8,384
- Hudson Crossing Park, Inc., Saratoga County: Sensory Trail improvements and Canoe/Kayak racks - $5,000
- John Burroughs Association, Ulster County: Site entrance improvements - $4,000
Greenway Communities Grants
At the October Board Meeting, the following Greenway Communities Grants were awarded:
- Village of Brewster, Putnam County - $7,500 for a Brewster Main Street Study
- City of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County - $5,000 for Walkway as Gateway to Success Regional Tourism Implementation Project - Town of Clifton Park, Saratoga County - $5,000 for Gateway Design and Overlook at Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve - Town of Rensselaerville, Albany County - $5,000 for Farm Brew Cooperative Pilot at The Carey Center
- Town of Lloyd, Ulster County - $7,500 for Black Creek Water Trail Access for Canoes and Kayaks
New Greenway Community
The Hudson River Valley Greenway welcomes the Town of Salem in Washington County as a newly designated Greenway Community. That brings the total number of Greenway Communities to 271.
New Hudson River Greenway Water Trail Site
Also at the Board meeting, the Beczak Environmental Education Center, City of Yonkers, Westchester County was designated as a launch and campsite on the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail.
| The Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway Committee |
New NYS Scenic Byways Designation in Greene County
The Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway, a 41-mile corridor connecting the Villages of Hunter and Tannersville in Greene County, has been recommended for designation as a New York State Scenic Byway by the State Scenic Byways Advisory Board. The Steering Committee that has worked tirelessly on this project for many years should be very proud of this accomplishment. The Greenway is pleased to have been a part of the planning process.
Greene County Trail Initiative
The Greene County Office of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning, in partnership with the Greene County Highway Department, has been awarded grant monies to prepare a Trail-based Tourism Plan. Contact the project team by November 9, 2012 at planning@discovergreene.com to become a part of this exciting project.
|