NEWS RELEASES
NY Governor Seeks To Boost Lake Ontario Tourism
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through Lockport Union-Sun & Journal's website.
Recent flooding has inspired a new campaign headed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to boost tourism along Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands region, an area that typically generates $121 million every year in regional economic benefits. In addition to a new television ads, the initiative includes free fishing on Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Lower Niagara River through Labor Day, as well as a 50 percent discount on reservation fees and vehicle entrance fees at 30 state campgrounds, parks and boat launches along the lake and river through September. Lake Ontario is known for its trophy trout and salmon fishing and Bassmaster Magazine recently named the St. Lawrence River as the top bass fishing destination in the nation.
The new campaign, part of the governor’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, supports the work of the state’s new REDI Commission, a multi-agency task force to develop plans to harden infrastructure and increase community, ecological and economic resiliency along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, as well as strengthening the region's local economies. The REDI Commission has access to up to $300 million in funding available for communities impacted by Lake Ontario flooding. The Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program recently announced awards totaling nearly $75,000 for projects throughout the Great Lakes watershed.
For additional details on Governor Cuomo’s initiative, visit the governor’s website.