New York voters have approved a ballot question that tweaks conservation rules in the Adirondacks and the Catskills to make it easier for local governments to use land for public projects.

The constitutional amendment approved Tuesday will set aside 250 acres for communities to use for projects that support health, public safety and community improvement, such as bike paths or water lines.

The constitution now prohibits local governments within the Adirondacks and Catskills from building on state land unless they get statewide voter approval. It’s a cumbersome and time-consuming process that local officials say often holds up progress.