New York State began development of its coastal management program in 1975 when the Legislature designated the Department of State as the lead agency for the management of the state's coastal resources. In 1981 (Chapter 840, which became Article 42 of the Executive Law) the Legislature enacted the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act and assigned the Department of State the responsibility of developing and implementing a comprehensive policy and planning process that would encourage development in the state's coastal areas while at the same time protecting these valuable natural resources. After literally over 1,000 public meetings, public hearings, and legislative hearings, the program was submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce for approval. The program was approved later that year thus allowing New York State to become eligible for federal monies intended to develop and protect the state's 3,200 miles of coastline. More importantly, approval also meant that any federal actions had to be consistent with the state's coastal management program. In 1985, the New York Secretary of State established the Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization to administer the program.
From the New York State Archives, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY. Agency record NYSV2109161-a
