New Docks and Launch in Haverstraw Designed for Accessibility
 Universally-accessible docks and an adaptive kayak launch were installed in early July at Haverstraw Bay County Park in Rockland County. The new docks and launch were funded by a River Access grant from DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program with additional support from Rockland County. The marine-grade floating docks replace aging wooden docks constructed alongside the double-wide boat launch in the 1990s, also with DEC funding. Residents and visitors alike, including people with disabilities, can now enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Hudson River. The new docks and launch also serve clients and staff of the nearby Helen Hayes Hospital Adapted Sports & Recreation Program, who assisted in the design of the accessible features.
DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Grant Program administers annual competitive grants to help communities in the Hudson River Estuary design and create recreation opportunities for people of all abilities. $200,000 in funding is now available in the River Access Request for Applications (RFA) for projects along the shoreline of the Hudson estuary that provide new or improved accessibility at sites for boating, fishing, swimming, and/or wildlife-dependent recreation. This funding may be used to support plan development, equipment purchases, and/or physical improvements and construction, such as the Haverstraw docks and launch.
Approximately $200,000 also is available in the River Education RFA to support projects and plans to enhance education about the estuary along the tidal waters of the Hudson and make opportunities to learn about the estuary accessible to a wide-range of people. This funding may be used to support plan or curriculum development, equipment purchases, website or mobile phone app development, and/or physical improvements construction.
The deadline for applications is August 14, 2019 at 3 p.m. The applications for “River Education” and “River Access” are available online through the New York State Grants Gateway.
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