Island supporters rallied at City Hall in February
Photo by GIA
Pink inflatable bracelet thanks to AKAirways
Albany finally came through with the funds to keep the Island in business next year, thanks mainly to three leaders -- Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senator Daniel Squadron and Governor David Paterson. The final State budget, released earlier this month, has $7 million for the Island's operations and re-appropriates $22.5 million in capital funds previously allocated. The Mayor and City Council have indicated that they are likely to match these numbers in the City budget due July 1.
Alliance members waged a season of advocacy for these much needed
appropriations. More than 1,000 postcards urging State funding were
sent the Capitol. The Alliance also staged a rally on the steps of City
Hall, featuring speeches by Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Borough
President Scott Stringer and Councilman Alan Gerson. With the support
of the Island's representatives and other elected leaders -
particularly Assembly members Steven Englebright, Joan Millman, John
McEneney and Linda Rosenthal -- the Island can open this year, the
infrastructure can be maintained and historic buildings will be
preserved.
There was some good news from Washington as well. Congressman Nadler secured $1.35 million for removing asbestos from Castle Williams and $475,000 for repairing Pier 102 on Buttermilk Channel. These are important initial steps in the final General Management Plan just released by Governors Island National Monument. More help may be on its way: The Park Service has proposed about $10 million in shovel-ready Island projects suitable for the stimulus package approved by Congress last month. About $6 million would be used to open a vertical slice of Castle Williams to the general public, including access to its roof and its spectacular harbor views. Some jail cells may also be open for viewing. Congressman Nadler and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have pledged their support for this priority project.
There was some good news from Washington as well. Congressman Nadler secured $1.35 million for removing asbestos from Castle Williams and $475,000 for repairing Pier 102 on Buttermilk Channel. These are important initial steps in the final General Management Plan just released by Governors Island National Monument. More help may be on its way: The Park Service has proposed about $10 million in shovel-ready Island projects suitable for the stimulus package approved by Congress last month. About $6 million would be used to open a vertical slice of Castle Williams to the general public, including access to its roof and its spectacular harbor views. Some jail cells may also be open for viewing. Congressman Nadler and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have pledged their support for this priority project.