New York, NY; Detroit, MI; May 21, 2008 - Planning is underway to transport the SS Columbia, the oldest surviving excursion steamer in the United States, from Detroit, Mich., to New York Harbor, as the volunteer organization, the SS Columbia Project, kicks off a capital campaign to complement challenge grants already secured. At completion of her journey-and subsequent restoration-the Columbia will become a catalyst for eco-tourism in both New York Harbor and the Hudson River, connecting Hudson River Valley towns to their histories and to opportunities for economic growth. Resurrected as a living ship, the Columbia will help promote jobs, simultaneously raising awareness of the scenic grandeur of the Hudson River and the crucial need to preserve it.

click to continue

New York, NY and Detroit, MI (PRWEB) May 9, 2008 - Volunteer friendraiser/fundraiser aboard the historic fireboat John J. Harvey to celebrate the SS Columbia's 106th birthday. The SS Columbia is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest surviving excursion steamer in the United States.

click to continue

New York, NY - March 30, 2008 - The SSCP has received a New York State Environment Protection Fund (EPF) Challenge grant for the amount of $400,000 from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation bringing the total of our challenge grants to $750,000. EPF grants are awarded to local communities and organizations to assist with waterfront revitalization projects, historic preservation efforts, expanding open space, and increasing access to public lands.

New York, NY - March 30, 2008 - We are expanding our offices at the Neighborhood Preservation Center to accommodate our growing number of volunteers and to help us lay the groundwork for our capital campaign. The SSCP is an entirely volunteer-run organization and is fortunate to be based in the historic landmark rectory of St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery located in the heart of the East Village in New York City, among other groups dedicated to the preservation and protection of the cultural heritage of our city. With a new total of $750,000 in Challenge Grants our office expansion will allow us more room to focus and coordinate the crucial capital campaign to raise the matching funds. We are grateful to Felicia Mayro and the staff at NPC and its parent organization the St. Mark's Landmark Fund for their ongoing support.

New York, NY - March 30, 2008 - The SSCP has received an Initiative Grant of $5,000 from the NYS legislature. The grant was made possible through the kind sponsorship of Senator Thomas P. Morahan of the 38th Senate District of New York and will be used for infrastructural enhancement.