State Senator James Seward announced Monday he is advancing legislation to protect long-term stability and local management for a pair of area parks. Hyde Hall in Otsego County and Rogers Environmental Center in Chenango County would benefit from the bills. Senate bill 7490 would extend the lease agreement for Hyde Hall between New York State and the Friends of Hyde Hall, which is set to expire on January 1, 2017, for an additional thirty-years to January 1, 2047. Senate bill 7501 would authorize a formal lease agreement for the Rogers Environmental Education Center between New York State and the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center which would run for a forty-year term. Senate bill 7490 is scheduled for a vote before the Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation this week while senate bill 7501 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environmental Protection.

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