Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel secured a preliminary $180,000 in funding for the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx as part of the FY 2010 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.

“Van Cortlandt Park is a beautiful part of the Bronx, and one that I have enjoyed visiting over the years. Too many city residents forget they are able to experience the great outdoors right here in their backyard. I think the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park have been doing outstanding work, and I am pleased to assist them as they set out to improve this already-special parkland for the people of the Bronx,” said Rep. Engel.

The funding will be used to restore 6.7 miles of trails in Van Cortlandt Park for safe recreational trail usage for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. This action is the first step in the appropriations process. The bill will now be considered by the House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on its version of the bill.

Rep. Engel added, “While this is only the beginning of the Appropriations process, I feel very good that funding for this important project was included in this measure. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure this funding is preserved as the bill moves through the legislative process.”