Predictably, as soon as Governor George Pataki released the information that he would propose a world-class institute that would focus on river and estuary research in his State of the State address, officials from all communities along the Hudson River began lobbying for it to be located in their jurisdiction. He has asked Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner John Cahill to work with state agencies, public authorities, universities, private foundations, and environmentalists to develop a plan, as well as an appropriate location in the Hudson Valley, for the founding of the new institute. The facility would use state, federal and other funding sources to support the research.
Rivers play an important part in the economic vitality of our state and country.
The next day Westchester County Executive Andy Spano endorsed the Governor's proposal and said that he wanted to work with him to establish the institute at Westchester's Croton Point Park. Mr. Spano said he had proposed a Hudson River Heritage Center at that park in his State of the County speech last April. Since then, he reported, the County's Planning Department has filed an extensive application with the State Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct a feasibility study for an environmental, educational and recreation center. It would feature hands-on and interpretive exhibits to educate the public and include a research element and monitoring stations. It has become almost a tradition for County Executives and other officials to look to use the public spaces of Croton Point Park for enterprises other than a natural resource.