ALBANY – New state law will now define Otter Kill Creek and Black Meadow Creek in Orange County as part of the state’s inland waterway system.
The measures were sponsored in the Assembly by Colin Schmitt (R, New Windsor).
Otter Kill Creek is a 16-mile-long waterway flowing through central Orange County that eventually runs into the Hudson River. Black Meadow Creek is a 9.7-mile-long tributary of the Otter Kill.
With their new designation as inland waterways, the two creeks are now eligible for grants through the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. That works in partnership with waterfront communities to improve water quality and natural areas, guide development to areas with adequate infrastructure, and services away from sensitive resources, and promote public waterfront access.
“Protecting water quality in the Moodna Creek watershed is vital to residents and wildlife,” said Orange County Land Trust Board President Lewis Lain.
