Hochul proposes large spending on the Olympic venues, bond act, and environmental protection fund
By Gwendolyn Craig
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget for 2023 of $216.3 billion includes a historic $400 million environmental fund, a $4 Billion environmental bond act, and major investments in broadband infrastructure and Olympic venues.
The governor presented her spending plan Tuesday in a 16-minute virtual speech. It was $4 billion higher than the budget lawmakers approved in 2013. Hochul said that the state has a strong financial position due to higher tax receipts, a healthy Stock Market and federal aid.
Hochuls budget books highlighted the World University Games next year to be held at Lake Placid, on venues owned by the Olympic Regional Development Authority. The competition event will host more than 2,000 winter athletes over 11 days.
The budget provides $105 million for ORDA’s new capital funding, which includes $92.5 Million for upgrades to Olympic facilities or ski resorts and $10 Million for maintenance and energy efficiency improvements. A spokesperson for ORDA referred questions regarding the funding to the Division of the Budget. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Adirondack Explorer had not received any answers to its questions.
The ConnectALL initiative will also be included in the proposed budget, which includes $1.6 billion. It will provide greater broadband access throughout the state.
Hochul is preparing to run for office in the fall. The Buffalo Democrat revealed a budget that has a 3.1% spending growth and an average annual growth rate of 3.6% in the years ahead. She also stated that there would be no budget shortfalls until 2027.
She said that this is an extraordinary time, and will be met by extraordinary solutions. Make smart investments to ensure that we not only recover from the pandemic but also emerge stronger than ever before.
Budget bills, which give more information, were not available Tuesday afternoon. Briefing bookLet’s shed some light.
The increased funding for environmental protection was praised by environmental organizations, but some still hope that it will be further boosted. The fund, which has been around for almost 30 years, is mainly funded by real estate transfer taxes. It is used for land acquisition and preservation, controlling invasive animals and habitat restoration projects. The budget for the EPFs was $300 million last year. Hochul now proposes $400 million. Adirondack Council, Open Space Institute and others call for $500 million.
Environmental advocates have pushed for the funding of several Adirondack-related project through the fund.
The Adirondack Council is seeking $500,000 for each visitor use management project in the High Peaks, and the Adirondack Diversity Initiative. It also wants $6 million to fund an updated Adirondack lakes survey. Hochul was contacted by more than 20 organizations, including the Adirondack Mountain Club and Council as well as the Nature Conservancys New York Chapter. $10 million in the budgetTo support trail maintenance, education, and recreation infrastructure.
Hochul stated in her State of the State address this month that the ballot for the environmental bond act heading to the ballot in November will increase from $3 billion to $4 billion. It is known as the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
Hochuls administration announced in a news release that this historic initiative will provide New York with the support it needs to restore and protect critical habitats; reduce flood risk; conserve additional lands, open spaces; protect and enhance our water resources; and invest into climate change mitigation projects that will lower carbon emissions and reduce pollution.
The budget for the state Department of Environmental Conservations was also proposed to be increased by $15 million to $90 million. These funds will be used to improve access to state lands, update campgrounds and recreational facilities and repair dams.
Hochul also announced $500 million in funding for clean water infrastructure projects, including drinking water and wastewater treatment.
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