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Skoufis Secures $20M in Parks Funding for Fjord Trail Phase 1

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Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) joined key stakeholders and local officials to announce $20 million in new funding that will advance the long-awaited first phase of the Fjord Trail project, linking Fishkill, Beacon, and Cold Spring.  

The Fjord Trail, a public-private partnership between State Parks, Scenic Hudson, and partners such as Metro-North, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, and numerous state and county-level offices, will serve as the gateway to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Hudson Valley.

The Senator’s successful allocation will bring the Breakneck Connector and Bridge–a new pedestrian overpass near the base of Breakneck Ridge, one of the most trafficked hiking destinations in the country–to fruition.

Phase one of the project, due to begin later this year, will also include the development of an off-site parking area that will eliminate the dangerous roadside parking that occurs along Route 9D. 

“When I first learned about the Fjord Trail and its regional impacts, I was eager to get to work,” said Senator Skoufis. “It’s not every day that we in the legislature get to support a win-win for multiple communities and stakeholders at the same time, but it’s clear to anyone what a transformational project the Breakneck Connector and Bridge, and additional trail enhancements, will be. I am honored to share this announcement with the east-of-Hudson community and am grateful to our partners for seeing the value that I see in our state parks. This is a joyous beginning to Earth Day weekend.”

 Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said: “Achieving this state investment in addressing the immediate and dire public safety hazards at Breakneck Ridge was our highest priority in our advocacy work during the state budget process. Senator James Skoufis immediately grasped the importance of this investment and went to bat for it as part of a $250 million Parks Capital Budget — and he delivered. We are deeply grateful to him for his actions which resulted in this positive outcome for public safety at Breakneck Ridge.”  

Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Executive Director Amy Kacala said: “The Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail vision is one of improved safety and enhanced access to much beloved State Park land. Local community stakeholders and our dedicated 20-entity Steering Committee have been honing that vision for more than 15 years. The $20 million investment from New York State will allow us to bring this first and crucial phase of the Fjord Trail to life. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, Senate Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and especially Senator Skoufis, for their leadership support of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail.” 

Town of Fishkill Supervisor Ozzy Albra said: “This project brings the promise of a long-lasting resource for residents and a boon to our outstanding local businesses which can expect a steady and lasting influx of revenue from tourism. Support from officials like Senator Skoufis is so important, as it sends a clear unified message that the leaders and residents of our area are eager for this project to move forward as another jewel in the crown that is the Hudson Valley. On behalf of the citizens of Fishkill I thank Senator Skoufis for his support for this project, and I look forward to working with him and other leaders, as well as Amy Kacala and her team at Fjord Trail, to bringing this project to fruition for the benefit of our area for generations to come.” 

Village of Cold Spring Mayor Kathleen Foley said: “The Village of Cold Spring isn’t just a destination, it’s our home. The state monies that Senator Skoufis is unlocking represent a significant infusion of state funds, and a game-changer for tourism management. The Fjord Trail will bring rationalized pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows, and much-needed basics like bathroom facilities. And, we hope, it will bring proper park staffing so that our first responders stay safe and ready in the Village where they’re needed. We are grateful to finally have a real partner in the State Senate who will make sure that our community’s voices are heard, and that meaningful measures are in place to balance impacts on our residents with the economic value of tourism.” 

Dutchess County Legislator Yvette Valdés Smith (District 16) said: “The Fjord Trail is a huge victory for our community that will benefit the lives of Hudson Valley residents and tourists for generations to come. By connecting our towns in a way that ensures environmental stewardship, safety, and community engagement – Senator Skoufis’ track record of delivering for constituents has now reached us here in the Highlands. And on behalf of the residents of Dutchess County, we are incredibly grateful!” 

NYC Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, said: “We are proud to partner with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Scenic Hudson and Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, Inc. on this very exciting trail project. The bridge will not only improve public access to this unique section of the Hudson River Valley, but it will also provide DEP with improved access to the Catskill Aqueduct’s Hudson River Drainage Chamber.” 

Watch the event live on Facebook here.

Rockland County Capping Sales Tax On Gasoline

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Gasoline Sales Tax Capped at $2 Through February 2023

New City, NY, – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. are happy to announce the local sales tax on motor fuel will be capped at $2 per gallon. The change means sales tax will only be applied to the first $2 of a gasoline purchase, opposed to the full gas price consumers are currently paying which is now over $4 a gallon.

The 2022 New York State Budget provides a suspension of the state excise and sales tax, providing a combined 16 cents per gallon savings to consumers, from June 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.

To provide additional savings to Rockland County families, the County Executive and County Legislature made the joint decision to cap the local sales tax on motor fuel at $2 per gallon effective June 1, 2022, through February 28, 2023, two months longer than New York State’s tax suspensions.

At the current price of gasoline, this cap will generate approximately 8 cents in additional savings for consumers which, when coupled with state tax suspensions, should result in an estimated 24 cents in relief at the gas pump starting this summer.

County officials chose not to suspend the motor fuel sales tax entirely to avoid a major deficit in this year’s 2022 budget.

Rockland County officials hope this resolution, combined with the actions of New York State, provides financial relief to families.

County Executive Ed Day said, “Between the record-inflation, rising gas prices, and the pandemic, our families need help now and Rockland County leadership worked expeditiously to deliver it. The role of government is to create an environment where residents can thrive, not to make money or profiteer off families feeling the duress of a strained economy. We hope that this cap provides some much-needed reprieve to Rockland County families. We are committed to doing whatever we can to support our residents and will not stop working to improve the lives of those who call this county home.”

County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said, “Sticker shock is a harsh reality for many Rockland County families as the prices of so many basics – eggs, meat, gas – have soared.  It’s part of County government’s job to recognize the needs of people and to act and bringing some relief at the gas pump is an important way we can help. I am glad the Legislature was able to collaborate with the County Executive to bring about this needed relief. This is the way government should work for the people.”

County Legislature Minority Leader Lon Hofstein said, “The residents of Rockland County are suffering significant financial hardship due to the skyrocketing prices of gasoline. As elected officials, we need to find solutions to help our constituents. I, along with members of the minority, brought the matter of reducing the sales tax on gasoline before the Legislature. The resolution passed by the Legislature and signed by the County Executive will be beneficial to the residents of Rockland County.”

County Legislature Budget & Finance Chairman Aron Wieder said, “People are being squeezed financially on so many fronts, including for food and even the price of keeping their home warm. Something had to be done to bring relief to people who have no choice but to drive to work, the grocery store, the doctor’s office, and other places. We can’t control everything contributing to the increases, but we can bring at least some relief by suspending the gas tax.” 

RCC Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center Food Enthusiast Class: Chilling & Grilling May 12

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ROCKLAND COUNTY (April 21, 2022) – Pick up tips on how to improve your summertime grilling game with the latest Food Enthusiast Program offering at RCC’s Hospitality & Culinary Arts Center located at 70 Main Street in Nyack. Participants will learn the best ways to marinate and grill chicken, steak, chops and summer vegetables during the Chilling & Grilling class, which will be held on Tuesday, May 12 from 6:30 to 9 pm.

Now in its third year, the popular cooking program will help participants gain the skills and confidence they need to cook like a chef. The classroom kitchen features 10 workstations with the same equipment used in the Center’s outstanding culinary arts program. RCC provides all the food, equipment and supplies. Students will work together and enjoy a fun, hands-on cooking experience led by a professional chef instructor. At the end of class, participants can enjoy the results of their labors or bring back a doggy bag to share with family. Masks are required for all indoor events at RCC. For more information, visit the College’s coronavirus webpage.

Tickets are $70 per person at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/food-enthusiast-class-chilling-grilling-tickets-317714792497

In addition to the classes, the RCC Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center has a unique theatre space available for use that seats 50 people with tables and up to 95 people without tables for special events. For questions about renting the facility, call 845-875-7700.

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