Thursday, November 7, 2024, Queensbury Hotel, Glens Falls, NY
A REVIEW OF THE PRESENTATIONS:
When the future stability of our local economy is in question, the community must be informed. Adirondack Cycling Advocate, Inc. hosted this forum to increase community awareness of the importance of investing in an infrastructure that will attract people and businesses to our area, rebuild our economy, and ensure our future economic stability. The forum included well-known leaders from Warren County EDC, Warren County Tourism, and AARP NY. Presentations focused on facts and impressions of our area’s economy, the tourism industry, and population statistics. All speakers introduced important information to illustrate the advantages of a quality bike/ped infrastructure would bring to this area.
- Warren County EDC President and CEO: Our economy is a circle: each segment depends on and provides for the next segment. The community’s future success depends on the quality of life we offer – available jobs, good schools, access to healthcare, assistive services, and physical, recreational, and social activities. Providing a quality of life depends on available funding for essential resources, and dependable sources of income are fundamental to the strength of our local economy. The largest source of income in this area is the tourism industry. Currently, there are 1,500 job openings in our area, and recruiting workers is a problem. Attracting businesses and workers to fill vacant positions is crucial to maintaining a robust and healthy community. Warren County is one of the ten most resilient, environmentally friendly areas in the country, with unlimited water, a picturesque natural environment, and the opportunity to live a healthy, active lifestyle. However, the resources are not enough. Every municipality, county, and state is responsible for working together to provide the infrastructure and services people need. Investing in quality bike/ped infrastructure will provide safe access to outdoor recreational and social activities that most young people seek.
Warren County ranks second oldest county compared to other areas’ median age. Older citizens need more healthcare, more services, and safe physical activities. When older people are no longer in the workforce, they have free time to enjoy community involvement, social activities, and recreational sports. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle increases the ability to manage everyday physical activities, have fewer health problems, and live independently. A safe infrastructure encourages physical activity, a significant factor in maintaining an independent lifestyle.
Question: How do you convince people to change their minds and believe that a well-planned, safe, interconnected bike/ped infrastructure is worth using their tax dollars to fund a project they may never take advantage of? What does the average tax-paying citizen get out of this? These questions must be answered. People must hear and understand the benefits of investing in a bike/ped infrastructure. This message must be repeated over and over. EVERYONE benefits from a robust economy, lower taxes, more businesses, better schools, the ability to age in place, a healthier, more physically active, independent living.What is the cost of building a quality infrastructure? As much as a quarter of a billion dollars. The federal government often funds projects of this scope. Federal grants require local government to be the lead agency. What we need are leaders. A group of citizens willing to work, a qualified, experienced team to gather statistics and write the grants, and media coverage to convince the public. We all need help. As a community, we need to move this project forward to attract the next generation.
- Associate State Director of Community Engagement, AARP New York, Upstate East Region: Statistics show the median age of the U.S. population is increasing. Our older population must receive the services necessary to age in place and maintain their quality of life. All citizens should be able to live and enjoy life in a healthy, safe, environmentally friendly environment. Quality living includes good health services, social opportunities and engagement, home health and adaptive services, and access to affordable housing. Aging-in-place agencies work with the government at all levels to provide quality care.There is a 5-year funding cycle. This includes preparing and submitting applications, conducting a needs assessment, and writing an action plan. Partnerships are essential; media coverage helps. Many obstacles must be overcome to ensure the older population can remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Transportation difficulties, appropriate housing for independent living, accessibility to health and other services, opportunities to enjoy outdoor spaces, and communication with others to include socialization, inclusion, and interaction.
- Warren County Tourism Director: Cycling is a huge part of our economy in this area. This area has become a destination for cyclists. They come to ride the extensive mountain-biking networks, the popular Warren County Bikeway, and the Feeder Dam Canal Path that connects to the Champlain Canalway. Businesses and restaurants benefit greatly from the visitors and residents before and after their cycling activities. “EAT, PLAY, STAY” is becoming a popular message and advertisement for our area.An equally important source of annual income is the Warren County Occupational Sales Tax. This tax adds millions of dollars to our economy from the visitors who come to stay, eat, and shop. These dollars help to offset/lower the taxes for homeowners and business owners throughout our area.Our community will be stronger if Warren County invests in developing and expanding a quality bike/ped infrastructure. To accomplish this, the county and municipal departments will need to be involved. They must be prepared to find funding sources, plan, and make it happen. It will take an effort from the whole community to work together.For our area to be “bike-friendly,” our busy streets and highways must have separate marked routes for bikes and cars. Many individual studies/plans are being processed. Warren County is working on a Comprehensive Study for all outdoor activities. Queensbury has been working for more than 10 years, building a comprehensive bike/ped connector system of trails and paths from Lake George to the Champlain Canalway. Queensbury is also finishing up a Comprehensive Plan. The GF/Transportation Council is working with municipalities to plan a Multi-Use Trail system to connect area communities.
A regional bike plan is necessary to keep ideas and plans going forward, even when the players change.
State officials are aware of our priorities. Funding from the NYSDOT can be available for the state routes. With collaboration and support from the community, it can happen.
