Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel announced Thursday that $200,000 has been preliminarily appropriated for the City Parks Foundation in the FY 2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill.

Rep. Engel said, “For 20 years the City Parks Foundation has been the only independent, non-profit organization offering free programs throughout the city, which includes Van Cortlandt Park. Among the programs at Van Cortlandt are tennis, senior fitness, and CityParks Kids which promotes literacy and performing arts.

“Parks are an absolute necessity to a city, and New York City’s park system is among the finest. The programs added to these parks, by the City Parks Foundation, make them more appealing and useful to people of all ages.”

This action was a preliminary step in a long process. The bill will now be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on their 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 program 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.”