Grants support valley waterways

Wappingers Falls, Beacon to benefit

By Maeleeke J. Lavan
Poughkeepsie Journal

Two southern Dutchess County municipalities will receive state grants that will go toward improvement and study of Hudson Valley waterways.

Gov. George Pataki announced that $1.1 million in Hudson River Estuary grants will be awarded to 30 community projects -- including some in Wappingers Falls and City of Beacon -- to increase public access, enhance educational opportunities, protect water quality and restore aquatic habitats along the Hudson River.

Wappingers Falls will receive more than $54,000 to develop studies of storm water discharge at Wappinger Lake.

The City of Beacon will receive $9,000 to repair a boat launch by the Beacon Sloop Club and $4,500 for a feasibility study on floating swimming pools in the Hudson River.

Funded through the state's Environmental Protection Fund, grants are designed to increase relationships with local organizations by funding local projects related to the Hudson River Estuary.

Essential study enabled

Ed Hoxsie, executive director of the Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District, said the grant for Wappingers Falls enables a huge amount of study to occur at Wappinger Lake.

''We're going to monitor storm water outfalls to the lake and, through that monitoring process, we'll be able to determine pollutant loading that's coming into the lake from the road systems,'' Hoxsie said. ''We'll develop a plan for remediation and prioritize each of the outfall areas.''

The increasing Dutchess County population along with more pollutants from things like sediments from construction and fertilizers seeping into the water system has contributed to more pollutants in the lake, Hoxsie said.

Beacon Mayor Clara Lou Gould said the funds will help the city make some of the first official strides in answering the calls of residents who are desperately seeking more activities at the waterfront.

''Anything to begin the waterfront coordination process is wonderful,'' Gould said. ''It really helps continue to improve. The boat launch is very much needed.''

The feasibility study for floating swimming pools came from an idea Beacon resident and legendary musician Pete Seeger presented to the city council last summer.

Gould said the pool will be a wonderful asset for the community -- if it can be shown to be a workable plan.

''It's so rewarding,'' she said of the grant. ''It really helps us an enormous amount as we continue to improve.''