GOVERNOR PATAKI ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR "DAYLIGHTING" OF SAW MILL RIVER AS CATALYST FOR REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN YONKERS

Restoration of the Nepperhan River Part of Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan for Yonkers, Yonkers Ferry Service to Lower Manhattan Makes Inaugural Run

( Yonkers, NY) - Governor George E. Pataki today announced an additional $10 million in funding for the daylighting of the Saw Mill River, an important community revitalization project that will uncover a section of the river and make it accessible to the public for the first time in more than a hundred years. The daylighting project is a part of Governor Pataki's vision of revitalized cities along the Hudson River National Heritage Area, and complements the City of Yonkers' $3.1-billion-dollar plan for its downtown area. The restored river is included as an amenity in Larkin Plaza and around a new minor league baseball stadium. As a part of a comprehensive plan for the waterfront, the Governor also took an inaugural ride on the Yonkers-Lower Manhattan Ferry, which will enhance the daily commute for hundreds of Westchester residents traveling to New York City. Service is expected to begin next spring.

Listen to Governor Pataki's comments online.

The Governor has long been a champion of opening up the Saw Mill River, originally known as the Nepperhan River and creating a riverwalk along its banks and referenced the project in his 2005 State of the State Address. This $10 million in funding is in addition to the $24 million previously provided for the Saw Mill redevelopment project as part of the 2006-2007 Budget.

"Daylighting" the Saw Mill River will play a vital role in attracting people to downtown Yonkers and restoring the city's proud history," Governor Pataki said. "It will become a model for the state -- and the rest of the country -- of how inner cities can make a comeback by preserving and restoring their long-forgotten heritage. Together we will re-establish this natural treasure and once again make it the centerpiece of a vibrant riverside community. I want to thank Scenic Hudson for helping identify locations and bringing this project to a reality.

Senator Nick Spano who was instrumental in securing the original $24 million for the project during the last Legislative session said, "I can not thank Governor Pataki enough for his continued commitment to the City of Yonkers. The daylighting project is an important cog in the overall revitalization of the Yonkers' waterfront and downtown areas. The additional $10 million in funding that the Governor is providing will ensure that the entire project will come to fruition. The daylighting of the Saw Mill River creates a unique opportunity for Yonkers and will provide a number of social, economic and environmental benefits to our City and the entire region."

Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone said, "As the renaissance of our waterfront continues with the addition of new commercial and residential opportunities, we are committed to adding public parkland that will be open for all people to enjoy. The $10 million in additional state funding announced today will be a critical component of transforming Larkin Plaza into a large and inviting open space that embraces the beauty and majesty of both the Saw Mill and Hudson Rivers. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Pataki and Senator Spano in Albany, the political will to take on this project finally exists and we will not let it pass us by."

The Saw Mill River played a pivotal role in the history of Yonkers. In the 1600s Adriaen van der Donck built a sawmill along it, providing the tributary with its name. During the next two centuries, the city grew up along the waterway. As Yonkers expanded in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Saw Mill was polluted and gradually paved over, its course flowing to the Hudson anonymously through a series of tunnels.

Ned Sullivan, Scenic Hudson's president said, "Scenic Hudson operates on the principle that protecting and restoring the environment must be part of economic development. By daylighting the Saw Mill River, Yonkers will offer even more possibilities for residents and visitors to enjoy the region's natural beauty, which in turn will boost the city's economy. I applaud Governor Pataki for making this once-in-a-generation opportunity possible through his vision and financial support. As part of the Governor's legacy of an American Heritage corridor of smart growth, this will set national standards."

Uncovering the Saw Mill River is part of the Governor's initiative to revitalize urban areas throughout the state and within the Hudson Valley to reconnect cities with their waterfronts. Once the region's economic lifeblood, then forgotten for years as industries choked its shores, the Hudson has again become the primary focus of plans to rejuvenate valley downtowns, this time by creating places where people can enjoy it.

The daylighting project will complement the $3.1 billion-dollar downtown redevelopment of Yonkers. The river is included as an amenity in Larkin Plaza and around a new minor league baseball stadium at Chicken Island, now to be known as the River Park Center.

Louis R. Cappelli, who in partnership with Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse and Fidelco Realty Group is working on the $3.1 billion redevelopment plan for downtown Yonkers, said, "We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Governor, our state officials, the City and Scenic Hudson to reclaim the heritage of the Saw Mill River and the Hudson River waterfront of Yonkers. This is a key component not only in restoring the Saw Mill to its natural beauty, but in revitalizing the entire downtown area of Yonkers. River Park Center, the mixed-use project we will build that includes a minor league ballpark, will enable the Saw Mill River to become a focal point for bringing the public to the downtown, just as the well known river walks in San Antonio, Texas, and Providence, Rhode Island have become the focal points of those cities."

Governor Pataki, joined by Port Authority Executive Director Kenneth J. Ringler Jr., Senator Nick Spano and Yonkers Mayor Philip Amicone, also took the first test run between Yonkers and the Battery Park City Ferry Terminal on board a New York Water Taxi ferry. Improvements are being made to the Yonkers Recreational Pier and related infrastructure to allow passenger service to begin in the spring.

Governor Pataki said, "This is a great day for commuters in Yonkers and in neighboring communities who have waited patiently for this service to begin. This new service will provide a quick, convenient, one-seat ride for commuters who have limited options when traveling to work or other destinations in Lower Manhattan. By enhancing the commute from suburban areas to Lower Manhattan, we will attract jobs and economic activity to the downtown area."

Port Authority Executive Director Ringler said, "This new service is just one of several initiatives the Port Authority is undertaking to enhance the daily commute for the thousands of people who rely on our facilities to get to work or recreational activities. In addition to investing in ferry initiatives, we are exploring the use of technology and other means that will improve the movement of people and goods throughout the region."

LMDC Chairman Kevin M. Rampe said, "The ferry service will help improve our regional transportation system and contribute to the continued economic revitalization of Lower Manhattan. By providing greater access between Lower Manhattan and Westchester we will attract even more businesses and workers downtown."

The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation secured a federal grant to assist the operator with startup costs, and the Port Authority agreed to administer the contract. When the new service begins in May 2007, the trip between Yonkers and the Battery Park City Ferry Terminal will take approximately 45 minutes. New York Water Taxi will have four ferries depart Yonkers during the morning rush hour between approximately 5:50 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and four ferries departing Pier 11 at the foot of Wall Street and the Battery Park City Ferry Terminal in the evening beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. The fare has not yet been determined. ###