OFFICE OF REPRESENTATIVE ANTHONY D. WEINER
9TH DISTRICT – Brooklyn and Queens
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 22, 2008
John Collins, 917-496-4587
Weiner Delivers ‘State of the National Park’ Speech on Earth Day
Outlines $70 Million Dollar Facelift and Future Vision of NYC’s Gateway National Park
Weiner Arrives at Earth Day Speech in French Fry Powered Car
Brooklyn, NY – Representative Anthony D. Weiner (D–Brooklyn and Queens) today issued a list of accomplishments to date in Gateway National Park and an ambitious plan for the future of the park during his annual “State of The National Park” Speech. Rep. Weiner outlined more than $70 million over the past 10 years to protect wetlands, restore wildlife refuges, build nature trails, and expand playgrounds and recreation areas in Gateway National Park. In 2007 alone, Rep. Weiner has been able to secure $4.8 million to renovate the Ryan Visitor Center, a project which has been needed since the 1970s and will include removing asbestos.The funding that has been put to very good use, providing facelifts for the Golf Center, Gateway Marina, the popular Riis Pitch & Putt golf course, preserving the Wildlife Refuge, restoring the beaches and wetlands, rehabilitating the playing fields in Fort Tilden and the Riis Park Tot Lot.
As part of his ambitious vision for the next ten years of Gateway, Rep. Weiner plans to help:
1. Restore Jamaica Bay Marshes: In 2002, Rep. Weiner organized the first Blue Ribbon panel of world class scientists who developed a series of goals designed to save the wetlands, including new restoration, long term analysis of Jamaica Bay’s sediment layer, field mapping, and public education and technical workshops. Weiner’s 4-point plan to save Jamaica Bay marshes included: doubling sewage capacity by 2011; reducing nitrogen in Jamaica Bay by 60 percent in 10 years; doubling funding for marsh restoration projects; and creating an emergency taskforce to put problem solving strategies into motion within one year.
2. Complete the Gateway Greenway: Gateway’s greenway, including a multi-use path for bikers, runners, walkers, and nature lovers, is one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. And yet, there are multiple gaps in access – blocking New Yorkers who want to get out and enjoy the environment. Rep. Weiner aims to close those gaps. Access to the park via bicycles and rollerblades can also be improved by expanding the existing Greenway path to include the Spring Creek area in Howard Beach, and building a new path throughout the Rockaways from Broad Channel to Riis Park.
3. Replenish Beaches in the Rockaways: The beaches of Jamaica Bay are under constant attack – from water, tides, and development. Since 1999, Rep. Weiner has secured nearly $9 million for the Rockaway Inlet, helping lay down more than 1,000,000 cubic yards of sand in 2003 to prevent shore erosion at Rockaway Beach. Weiner secured funds to study ways to provide long-term storm damage protection to the Rockaways, including the use of groins and jetties. Weiner is working to secure $516,000 to complete the study.
4. Install a Boat Launch at Floyd Bennett Field: There is currently one launch for kayaks and canoes located on the eastern end of Floyd Bennett Field at the sea plane ramp. There are no plans to install a ramp for small motorized boats and sail boats, which are allowed in Jamaica Bay. Rep. Weiner wants to increase opportunities for boaters, kayakers, and canoers to get out on and enjoy the water by installing a boat launch on the grounds of Floyd Bennett Field.
5. Expand Ferry Service to the Rockaways: Here’s a simple reality: it takes far too long to commute to Manhattan from the eastern edges of Queens and Brooklyn. Ferry service could help reduce commutes – and help the environment by taking cars off city streets. In 2005, Rep. Weiner secured $15 million to purchase three ferries and establish service from Queens and Brooklyn to Manhattan. Rep. Weiner envisions improved transportation to the park by connecting Gateway to ferry service at an improved Riis Landing dock.
6. Expand Community Gardens throughout Gateway: The gardens at Floyd Bennett Field began in 1970 and currently hold over four-hundred garden plots. The community gardens program offers a picnic area, Champions of Courage Garden with wheelchair access, Children's garden, pumpkin patch, and much, much more. Rep. Weiner plans to expand community gardens, giving more New Yorkers a chance to use their green thumbs.
7. Restore Wildlife Habitat in Floyd Bennett Field: As development grows, many natural species are pushed out – almost to the brink. Rep. Weiner proposed a three-year project to remove invasive species. Project will bring back local wildlife to the area. Weiner is working to secure the $490,000 needed for the project.
8. Remove NYPD Cars: For years, the New York Police Department has been talking about moving their training facility from Floyd Bennett Field to College Point. And yet, no plans exist to make that move a reality – meaning that buildings are occupying valuable space in the heart of the park. Rep. Weiner will work with the NYPD to expedite the enactment of their planned transfer from Gateway to College Point.
9. Expand Oyster Beds in Jamaica Bay: Oysters absorb nitrogen – a byproduct of human waste – and can filter between 5 and 50 gallons of water a day. While natural oyster beds once stretched for 350 square miles in New York’s waterways, there have been no oysters in Jamaica Bay since the 1930s. The city plans to introduce shellfish to the bay in 2009, and Rep. Weiner will work to expand those oyster beds and their water–filtering abilities.
Rep. Weiner said, “Though millions enjoy Gateway National Park every year, it’s still one of New York City’s best kept secrets. These improvements will continue to fuel an ongoing renaissance at Gateway that will allow even more New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the Big Apple.”
In 2007, Rep. Weiner received a perfect score from the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) for his work in Congress. According to the LCV, Rep. Weiner voted to protect the environment time after time on issues ranging from offshore drilling to drilling royalties, public health and environmental funding.
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John Collins
Representative Anthony Weiner (D - Brooklyn and Queens)
Office: 718.520.9001
Cell: 917.496.4587
Email: johncollins@mail.house.gov
