New York is a historically rich state with some sites dating back hundreds of years.
It’s particularly dense in the Hudson River region, where U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand says there are more than 1,800 historic structures and sites that may qualify for preservation assistance.
In advance of America’s 250th anniversary, she was in the city of Hudson on Saturday at an old factory turned into a hotel.
She is pushing for $250 million to be put into the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund.
Gillibrand says preserving buildings can help lead to more economic growth in the area.
“The Hudson Valley is home to so much American history – from Revolutionary War sites to one of the birthplaces of modern American art,” Gillibrand said in a statement. “As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must ensure that the communities who safeguard this history have the resources they need. Securing increased funding for the Historic Preservation Fund isn’t just about honoring our past; it is an investment in our future. These grants flow directly onto our main streets and create good-paying local jobs while revitalizing regional economies.”
“To preserve our historic structures is to preserve our city’s story for future generations,” Hudson Mayor Joseph Ferris said in a statement. “Thanks to critical New York State historic preservation funding, the Pocketbook Factory has been brought back to life. I applaud Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s push for an additional $250 million in federal historic preservation funding. This increase in funding will give incredible historic landmarks and structures a second-life. These programs do more than preserve history, they serve as an opportunity to create meaningful local jobs and drive economic growth.”