The Adirondack Council applauded Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that his 2016-17 budget proposal includes record funding for clean water, wilderness, wildlife, and communities in the Adirondack Park.

The governor’s budget plan calls for a $133-million increase in the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which would grow to $300 million for the first time. The fund supports environmental capital projects.

If approved by the Legislature, the EPF would provide $40 million for new parklands and open space, which would constitute a 50-percent increase from this year’s $26.5 million appropriation.

“Governor Andrew Cuomo's ambitious budget proposal provides an historic opportunity for Adirondack Park stakeholders to work together, protect wilderness and support vibrant communities,” said Adirondack Council Executive Director William C. Janeway. “Protecting our Adirondack legacy requires the kind of bold, transformational investments proposed by the Governor for open space, invasive species, climate change, clean energy, tourism, and community infrastructure.

“Strong funding, combined with strong policies and agencies, will protect the beauty, charm and allure of the Adirondacks for generations to come,” Janeway said.

Many of the governor’s environmental funding programs will also help improve the Adirondack Park’s economy and cuts costs to local taxpayers, Janeway said.

The EPF’s support for invasive species controls would rise to $10 million (currently $5.8 million). Farmland protection funding for conservation easements would increase from $15 million to $20 million. State land stewardship would increase from $18.5 million to $28 million.

The EPF also contains a new $32.5-million climate change category that will fund community projects to improve community resiliency ($20 million); create a new Climate Resilient Farms program ($2.5 million); and, encourage smart growth ($2 million).