For Ailin Walsh and her fiance, Shawn Marshall, there is no better way to enjoy nature than getting out on the Hudson River.

Walsh and Marshall go kayaking in Cold Spring to take in the views. "This is a small town," says Marshall. "Not many people know this town even exists, let alone the luxuries that come with it like kayaking and paddle boarding."

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is calling on the federal government to increase funding in order to provide more access points along the Hudson River. "New river access could be a game changer," says Schumer. "It could improve our quality of life, increase tourism, increase jobs."

Schumer wants the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers to back a local and state plan that would build more park space and boat-launching points, along with preserving marine life in the Hudson.

Local officials believe that the plan would bring thousands of new tourists a year.

"Tourism is a big issue for us in Philipstown," says Putnam County Leg. Barbara Scuccimarra. "It is where we get all our tax dollars, our sales tax. It's so important."

An EPA spokesperson says the agency supports efforts to increase river access and recreational activities.

Local advocates say it would take two to three years for the project to be completed.