PORT JERVIS – There’s no shortage
of white water rafting opportunities on the Delaware River but what Port
Jervis officials have been dreaming about, for years, would be a bit different.
The city wants a dedicated white water kayaking area adjacent to Riverside
Park, and just downstream from the Port Jervis – Matamoras Bridge.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer visited the site on Tuesday, to give the Port Jervis White Water Kayak Park his full support.
“The City of Port Jervis is trying to build a state-of-the-art white water kayak park that could be a game changer in terms of the tourist industry and the local economy, not just to mention a means of supporting new jobs, and I’m here in full support,” Schumer said.
The senator said the economics of the project make sense, with an estimated 500,000 visitors per year already coming to the area. He cited a 2012 economic impact report from the Orange County Planning Department that estimated the project has the potential to bring in as much as $33.6 million in annual revenue to the area, and support up to 400 local jobs.
“Because Port Jervis is perfectly situated between New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the city can take advantage of tourists from the three states very easily and others from around the country and even around the world,” Schumer said.
An enthusiastic Mayor Kelly Decker said the white water park fits right
in with what Port Jervis already has to offer, in close proximity.
“We have direct access from New York City,” Decker noted. “Everybody knows the Port Jervis line and the commuter train takes you right to Port Jervis. What a big, a great place to go to is the white water park, all natural settings. We have hiking trails. We have the largest turntable in the country here, right here in Port Jervis, for the train.”
Schumer listens as Decker, podium, thanks the senator for his support
Schumer sent letters to top officials of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Service urging expedited handling of permit applications.
Asked if the Corps of Engineers has studied whether the project could change the dynamics of the river in an area where ice has historically collected in wintertime, and 1981, caused a flood that inundated lower area of Port Jervis and Matamoras, PA, Schumer said that’s something the Corps would consider in reviewing permit applications.
