The draft Action Agenda identifies six key benefits to the Hudson River estuary: clean water; resilient communities; vital estuarine ecosystem; conservation of its fish, wildlife, and habitats; preservation of the region's natural scenery; and enhanced opportunities for education, river access, recreation and inspiration through various proposed actions. In support of the Estuary Program's goals, $1.5 M in grants to improve water quality, increase flood resiliency and conserve natural resources were announced including $750K for tributary restoration and resiliency (e.g, dam removal, culvert/bridge upgrades) and $800K for local stewardship planning.

NOAA's Damage Assessment, Remediation and Restoration Program was in attendance because of its long involvement on the Hudson River PCB Superfund Site and active role in cataloging barriers to fish passage on the tributaries to the Hudson River estuary. The meeting was a partnership between New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Historic Hudson River Towns. Public comments on the draft Action Agenda are being solicited through May 2015. (hot link public comments to https://dec.ny.gov/lands/5104.html).

For further information, contact Lisa.Rosman@noaa.gov.

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