GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $100,000 IN EPF GRANTS FOR South Bronx

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $100,000 IN EPF GRANTS FOR South Bronx

Award Supports Revitalization of South Bronx Neighborhoods

Pictures of local youth at the site at: http://www.friendsofbrookpark.org/impressions/tepeyacpaddle

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Governor George E. Pataki today announced the award of $100,000 in
Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) monies for Friends of Brook Park waterfront revitalization project in New York City. The
award supports an important project.

"The EPF awards create new recreational opportunities, help connect
communities to their waterfronts and protect local historic properties -
safeguarding and enhancing our State's unique outdoor resources and
cultural treasures," Governor Pataki said.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, "Restoring and improving our
City's waterfront has been one of the hallmarks of this
administration. Since 2002, we have implemented dramatic improvements to
our waterfront parks throughout New York City. Thanks to these EPF
grants from New York State, we will be able to continue the great
renaissance of our shoreline."

"We couldn't be more pleased to again receive an Environmental Protection Fund grant, and applaud both the State and City Parks and recreation Departments in partnering to ensure these funds make it to the community level, where they produce such a positive consequence," said Friends of Brook Park Executive Director, Harry J. Bubbins. "We look forward to using this grant funding to further develop and implement our vision that will allow us to make community decisions for the site that protect the environment, benefit the surrounding neighborhood, and support our other waterfront initiatives with needed programming."

Public events are: the Paddle Park to Park, Harlem to Hudson River on September 8th, and to South Bronx Environmental Bike Tour on September 23rd. For more information on these events and many others sponsored by FoBP, or to help as a volunteer, contact 646-206-5288 or information(at)friendsofbrookpark.org or visit their website at www. friendsofbrookpark.org.

Since 1995, the State Environmental Protection Fund has provided nearly
$1.3 billion in State assistance for more than 4,700 projects that
protect and enhance the quality of New York's natural resources. More
than $87 million has been invested in EPF grants administered by State
Parks to support 745 municipal open space, recreation and historic
preservation projects in communities across New York State. During that
time, the Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources has
administered more than $80 million for 775 EPF LWRP grants.

The following is an announcement of the award:

New York City Dept. of Parks and Recreation $100,000

The Friends of Brook Park, sponsored by the Department of Parks and
Recreation, will undertake planning for the south Bronx Harlem River
waterfront in the Port Morris and Mott Haven neighborhoods. Work will
include community visioning, planning and design for access and park
amenities for the Park Avenue street end, currently owned by NYC DCAS.
In addition, grant funds will be used to develop maps and outreach
materials, and identify additional access opportunities.

www.nyswaterfronts.com

After many years of many people dedicating time and effort, from the local
community to the prestigious New Yorkers for Parks, our waterfront park
project on the Harlem River has been awarded $100,000!

We have applied for years, gone to conferences in Albany and are a member of
the statewide coalition Friends of the Environmental Protection Fund. Of
course we have been hosting events with artists like Waste Zero, conducted
shore clean ups with the American Littoral Society and taken youth form the
South Bronx and Harlem on the river for their first canoeing experiences!

See above for the great news!!!