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Congressman Paul Tonko Monday hosted a day long forum at the Schenectady County Community College to jump start discussions that will lead to a regional vision for waterfront development and historic preservation on the lakes, rivers, and tributaries throughout the Capital Region. The conference, dubbed “Mighty Waters,” brought together more than 125 stakeholders representing small business, recreational groups, federal and state government agencies, local cities and towns, colleges, universities, heritage organizations, and community members. It’s believed the first time these groups have come together for a single meeting to consider development along our waterways.

“The geography of our region – the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys – represents a gold mine of opportunity to seize on our natural resources and history in a fashion that leads to greater economic opportunity and dramtically improves our quality of life,” said Congressman Tonko.  “Smart development and preservation can also enchance our region’s attractiveness to companies which are considering making a home in our communities. Our waterways hold the key to our future – a future filled with smart development, cutting edge technology, and new jobs.”

Congressman Tonko’s main goal is to jump start a regional discussion about waterfront development and outline an action plan to promote and protect our waterways. This will involve creating and implementing a list of short and long term goals for waterfront opportunities with an eye towards development that will serve as an economic engine and create new jobs. Congressman Tonko will also create a Waterfront Enhancement Advisory Panel that will assist in advancing federal initiatives to promote waterfront projects.

The brainstorming session will include ideas on how to increase and improve public access to waterways, preserve green space, and create clustered developments that will lead to growth for local small businesses.

Ann Breen, Co-Director of the Waterfront Center, served as the keynote speaker. The Waterfront Center is a non-profit education organization formed in 1981, which assists communities in making the best long-term uses of waterfront resources for maximum public benefit. The Center has consulted on projects in cities across 38 states, including Baltimore, Boston, and Oakland, and has done work in ten countries – such as the UK, Italy, France, Japan and Canada. Breen’s presentation included dramatic examples of waterfront transformations that have reinvigorated communities.

New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez said: “I would like to thank Congressman Tonko for sponsoring the Mighty Waters conference and for being such a strong advocate for water and conservation issues in his district. The Department of State is working in partnership with 84 communities in the region to expand waterfront access, protect natural resources and return abandoned brownfields to productive uses. We look forward to continuing our work with Congressman Tonko, and working with the new Waterfront Enhancement Advisory Panel, to build stronger waterfront communities in the Capital District, Mohawk Valley and beyond.”

“The Canal Corporation applauds Congressman Tonko for spearheading the Mighty Waters conference,” Said Carmella Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “I look forward to continue working with stakeholders to increase economic development, public access, tourism and recreational opportunities along New York State's waterfronts."

Beth Sciumeca, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said: "We have outstanding opportunities to capitalize on the unique history and distinctive sense of place of the Mohawk Valley. We applaud Congressman Tonko's efforts to bring together a broad coalition of organizations to advance heritage development in the eastern part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor."

Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and National Heritage Area said, “Our waterways are the common threads that have always connected this region together.  Exploring ways to improve access and ways that our riverfront communities can leverage their waterfront resources is critical to advancing a sustainable regional economy.  Tourism generates 4.7 billion dollars annually in the Hudson River Valley.  By celebrating the heritage of our waterfronts,  we can position this region to be  a world-class destination for tourists while improving the quality of life for residents. I applaud Congressman Tonko for his leadership to help the region focus on this important issue.”

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