Senator Betty Little (R-Queensbury) and Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that their bill designating the St. Regis River as an inland waterway to make communities along the river eligible for waterfront revitalization funding has been signed into law (Ch. 160 of 2020).

“Our waterways are tremendous natural resources deserving of protection and stewardship while also having enormous value as tools of economic development,” said Senator Betty Little. “I was very pleased to work with Assemblyman Jones this year to get this legislation approved and signed into law. This will be a significant benefit to our communities applying for grants that help them turn vision into reality, benefiting local residents and creating a draw for tourists.”

“As your representative, investing in the future of the North Country and creating more economic opportunities for our communities are always my top priorities,” said Jones. “Designating the St. Regis River as an inland waterway will allow our region to show off its natural beauty while also improving tourism attractions and recreational opportunities. This law is a huge victory for the North Country, and I want to thank Sen. Little and the governor for lending their support on this important legislation.”

The law includes the St. Regis River within the intercostal waterway system, which makes communities surrounding the river eligible for funding under the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). As part of the LWRP, communities can access the Division of Coastal Resources assistance to organize the planning process, establish a waterfront advisory committee, assist in data collection and analysis, access information from communities that have successfully implemented revitalization programs and receive guidance on crafting effective waterfront revitalization policies.