The Friends of Point au Roche State Park

Posted on November 6th, 2008

It was noted that NY State has a critical need for budget cuts and the NY Parks are trying to cut $250,000. The Governor is asking for a flat budget next year. This year there were seasonal layoffs, a ban on travel and a general freeze on spending. In the future there will be less plowing and the Cumberland Shop will be closed and Macomb may also be closed leaving only the Pt. Au Roche shop open. An effort to save energy in other ways will be made.

• The weather affected Park income particularly in late June and July. The Chazy Landing ramp was in danger during the record high water in August.
• Fall projects still include the resurfacing of the day use roads at Point au Roche, a playground for Macomb, which will be handled by staff, as contractor bids were too high for the budget. Bids are due for the rehab of the Dickson Point boat ramp that will include a floating dock and a new bathroom. There were 8 fishing tournaments on the Lake this year which really tested the boat ramps.
• Originally $100 Million were designated for Parks projects in New York.
• In 2009 repairs/repaving of Cumberland are scheduled. Cumberland was one of the few Parks to see an increase in income this year. Pt au Roche lost income after August 19th when staffing was lost due to the early start times of colleges. This affected the mooring collections and the lifeguards.