SENATOR MARCELLINO ATTAINS $200 MILLION IN STATE BUDGET FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset), Chair of the Senate Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee announces the inclusion of  $200 million in the 2015-16 State Budget to provide grants for drinking water and wastewater treatment   (S.2004-C, S.4610 – Part G).  The new program offers water infrastructure improvement grants through the Environmental  Facilities Corporation (EFC) to municipalities over the next three years.

 “As we saw after the numerous water main breaks this winter, the maintenance of our water infrastructure is a vital function of our local governments.  These funds will be used to address the backlog of clean water projects across our State” said Senator Carl L. Marcellino.

Grants will be given for the replacement and repair of existing wastewater infrastructure and drinking water infrastructure.  Awards of up to $5 million will be given to local governments to repair or replace sewage treatment or drinking water treatment facilities, and water mains.  These grants can cover up to 60% of the project costs.  These funds can be used as a local match to the two revolving loan programs currently managed by the EFC -  the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for wastewater treatment. 

Stuart F. Gruskin, Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer for The Nature Conservancy in New York said, "The Nature Conservancy commends the agreement by Governor Cuomo, the Senate and the Assembly to dedicate $200 million for municipal grants for urgently needed upgrades to aging and failing wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. With $36 billion in need to upgrade and repair wastewater treatment infrastructure statewide, this marks the beginning of a new, dedicated source of funds to help communities tackle a serious threat to water quality.  Clean and abundant water is one of New York's most treasured natural assets, and it is significant that this state budget includes new funding to reduce pollution to our water and protect it for future generations.  We are especially thankful to Senator Carl Marcellino, Senator Thomas O'Mara, Assemblyman Steven Otis, Assemblyman Steven Englebright, and all of their colleagues in the Legislature for championing this important funding."

"Audubon New York is grateful to Governor Cuomo and the Legislature, especially the leadership of Senator Marcellino, in creating the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act and dedicating $200 million over the next three years for much needed grants to upgrade water infrastructure," said Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York.  "These grants will improve water quality which is beneficial to people, the economy, and our birds that rely on clean water for survival."

"Senator Marcellino was a true champion for clean water infrastructure funding and this deal would not have been possible without his efforts," said Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "These funds are an important step in the right direction toward fixing our aging water infrastructure amid a record number of water main breaks over the winter. We look forward to continuing to work together on this and other critical infrastructure issues."

Peter Iwanowicz, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates of New York said, “Through  creation of the New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2015 Senator

 Marcellino has helped lay the groundwork for clean water grants to be a regular part of the state budget. We thank him and his colleagues for championing this,  and look forward to partnering with him next year to ensure that communities that  need it have access to funds to fix their pipes.”