Thanks to Governor David Paterson and Speaker Sheldon Silver, there is $10 million in capital funding for the Island in the budget for the 2008/2009 fiscal year, approved by state lawmakers in April. City Hall has pledged to match whatever amount the state allocated, up to $31.5 million, when the final city budget is approved in June. The funding will help continue progress on opening land for the Island's public spaces and on rehabilitation of historic buildings and infrastructure.
In Washington, the Governors Island Alliance, together with GIPEC and the National Parks Conservation Association, an Alliance member, have requested $5.8 million for the National Park Service's historic Castle Williams. This would be used to remove asbestos and make other safety improvements in the 1811 fortification. When this is done, the prison cells and gun emplacements would be open to the public, and visitors could climb the circular stone stairways for spectacular, commanding views of the harbor from the roof. The 2008-2009 federal budget won't be adopted until fall.
In Washington, the Governors Island Alliance, together with GIPEC and the National Parks Conservation Association, an Alliance member, have requested $5.8 million for the National Park Service's historic Castle Williams. This would be used to remove asbestos and make other safety improvements in the 1811 fortification. When this is done, the prison cells and gun emplacements would be open to the public, and visitors could climb the circular stone stairways for spectacular, commanding views of the harbor from the roof. The 2008-2009 federal budget won't be adopted until fall.