Seventy years ago, a group of visionary marine biologists founded the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts. The Governor said 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 the new Institute. The facility would use state, federal and other funding sources to support its research.
Rivers play an important role in the economic vitality of our state and country.
This Institute will help develop sound environmental science that will help create clean economic growth. The Governor also will again propose to establish a Hudson River Estuary Trust Account within the EPF to create a stable stream of revenues to support restoration and protection projects to implement the Plan. State and Federal agencies are assessing environmental damages to the river to determine whether to file a claim for damages against those who have released hazardous substances into the river. Governor Pataki also on Wednesday will announce his plan to more than triple the number of broad-based public access points to the Long Island Sound. While there are a number of private clubs and town or village facilities that restrict access to residents, there are only four broad-based public access points where anyone can enjoy the Sound.