Washington, DC - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) this week secured the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior's approval of $150,000 for the renovation of the historic sloop Clearwater.  Hinchey, who is a member of that panel, requested the funds for renovations of the ship as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations bill.

"The Clearwater, which is a unique vessel that serves as a link to the Hudson River's rich maritime history, is in need of serious restoration," Hinchey said. "These federal funds will pay for structural repairs to the vessel that are long overdue.  The Clearwater serves the community as an excellent educational resource and is an important piece of New York history."

The federal funds will be used to do necessary maintenance on the historical sloop, the Clearwater. These repairs will reinforce the structural integrity of the vessel and ensure the safety of all those who board it. The last major renovation of the vessel was performed in 1976, but still left much of the original woodwork untouched.  The sloop is listed on the National Register for Historical Places and has served as an educational tool to the community for the last 40 years.

The Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations bill is expected to come before the full House Appropriations Committee for a vote next week.  Having the funds included in the initial version of the bill is considered a critical step in the process.