Parks & Trails New York Applauds Record $500M EPF Proposal, Increases to Key Programs in ‘One-House’ FY 2027 Budget Proposals

(ALBANY, NY) – Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) applauds the New York State Senate and Assembly for advancing one-house budget proposals that strengthen investments in parks, trails, and public lands across the state. Following a record-breaking Park & Public Lands Advocacy Day, where 165 advocates from across New York held 90 meetings with lawmakers to share the needs of their communities. This week’s proposals show that grassroots advocacy is helping shape the state’s investment in parks and public lands.

The Senate and Assembly proposals move toward expanding the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to $500 million, a milestone that would allow proven, oversubscribed programs to better meet demand while strengthening conservation, recreation, and community resilience statewide.

Both chambers have advanced stronger support for programs that expand access to public lands and strengthen community stewardship. Legislative proposals bolster key EPF programs, including the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program, which supports the nonprofit Friends groups who help care for parks and trails, and the Municipal Parks Program, which assists communities in revitalizing local green spaces. The Legislature has also shown continued support for Connect Kids to Parks, helping remove barriers that prevent thousands of students from experiencing New York’s parks and historic sites each year.

The one-house proposals also reinforce the importance of sustained capital investment in New York’s state parks system. Continued funding for park infrastructure and recreation initiatives will help address aging facilities, expand accessibility, and ensure parks remain welcoming as visitation continues to reach historic levels.

As budget negotiations continue, PTNY looks forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to translate this momentum into a final budget that continues expanding access, strengthening stewardship, and ensuring New York’s public lands remain welcoming for all. We will continue to remain steadfast in our call of dedicated funding for New York’s greenway system–a national-leading recreational resource enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year.

Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York said, “When our advocates speak about the importance of public lands in their communities, lawmakers respond. The Legislature’s proposals reflect a clear understanding that these places are essential to New York’s economy, quality of life, and environmental future. We look forward to working with state leaders to ensure the final budget continues expanding access to these shared resources for generations to come.”