The enacted New York state budget includes $110 million in capital funding to continue the NY Parks 2020 initiative to revitalize the state’s flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects, including more than $2 million for two projects in Saratoga Spa State Park.
“State parks are central to New York’s thriving tourism economy and millions of New Yorkers turn to these world-class natural treasures each year for fun, exercise and community engagement,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “This significant investment will help enhance and modernize our cherished state parks while promoting healthy outdoor recreation, preserving our environment and lifting up local economies.”
In Saratoga, $1.7 million will go to renovate the Roosevelt II bathhouse, located across from the Roosevelt Baths & Spa operated by the Gideon Putnam Hotel.
Another $500,000 is in the budget for renovating the park’s Spa Campus buildings and grounds facility.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “New York parks are jewels around our state that improve the quality of life for residents and offer great services and experiences. The Senate Majority was proud to ensure additional funds for our state parks in the final budget. Additionally, the park honoring the accomplishments of Shirley Chisholm is a great way to recognize this trailblazing and glass-ceiling shattering New Yorker.”
“Our State Parks and their uniquely beautiful natural gems are an important part of who we are as New Yorkers,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “This year’s budget continues our record investments to upgrade parks in every region of the state, providing a boost to local communities, investing in tourism, and improving quality of life.”
This funding continues a major transformation of the park system that has received nearly $1 billion in park and historic site improvements under the leadership of Governor Cuomo since 2011.
“We look forward to building on the tremendous progress made to revitalize our State parks to make sure that all New Yorkers and guests feel welcome and at home in their parks. New York state parks should set the standard for the rest on the nation, and these improvements will continue to shape a modern, sustainable and welcoming 21st century park system,” parks Acting Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said.
In addition to $83.9 million in construction projects announced today, the budget provides $26 million for various system-wide improvements, such as investments in energy efficiency, technology, natural resource stewardship – and allocates funding for design of future projects, emergencies, engineering and construction oversight.
