Now is your time to speak out. Send the Governor a postcard asking him to keep the Island open to the public and maintain its historic buildings. Without Albany's commitment by April 1, the Island may be shut down. The Governor and other elected leaders need to know that Governors Island is your Island, and that you care.
Here is what's happening:
GIPEC depends on matching operating funds from the State and the City. The Alliance requested $7.4 million from each for the 2009-2010 fiscal year that starts July 1, 2009 - money to run the ferry, open the Island to the public, pay contractors to tend the buildings and maintain the landscape. The combined $14.8 million would be about 10 percent less than the Island got this year.
The Governor's proposed state budget includes no operating money at all. Without it, the City will not provide a match in its own budget. The State budget is due April 1; the City's is not due until July 1.
GIPEC has indicated that without substantial operating money, they will shut down the Island - leaving public programs adrift and historic buildings at risk.
While we are still early in the budget process, and nothing has been decided, it's imperative that those of us who care about the Island let our elected officials know how important it is: its public parks and programs, its historic buildings and its current value and potential as an educational center and tourist destination.
The Alliance, working together with our civic coalition, has been meeting with State officials since the fall. Community Board 1 in Manhattan and Board's 2 and 6 in Brooklyn have passed resolutions supporting the requested funding. Speaker Sheldon Silver, whose lower Manhattan district includes the Island, has made strong public statements in support of the Island. We have received private indications of support from other legislators around the state as well.
Please add your voice to our efforts by sending a postcard to the Governor. You can also see our Campaign Statement for more information.