NEW LEGISLATION FROM SENATOR AMEDORE WOULD GIVE MUNICIPALITIES ACCESS TO EMERGENCY INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

Senator George Amedore today announced he has introduced the “NYS Emergency Infrastructure Act” to provide municipalities with expedited access to infrastructure grants to help them respond to infrastructure emergencies that cause a threat to public safety or the environment.

The bill (S.3775) designates $100 million from unused settlement funds within the general fund to the Environmental Facilities Corporation for the purpose of providing emergency grants for critical municipal drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

In 2015, the state budget included a new grant program to provide municipalities with funding for clean water initiatives and water infrastructure improvements. However, there is no provision for expedited funding to help municipalities deal with emergency repairs or installations.

“Failing infrastructure is an issue plaguing so many of our Upstate communities, and we have started to make investments to help municipalities upgrade their sewer and water systems. However, timing is everything and we need to be able to deliver that funding much more quickly when an infrastructure failure endangers the safety of our communities or the environment,” said Senator Amedore.

"When a municipality is faced with a critical issue like a leaking sewer system or a massive water main break that is disrupting and threatening the quality of life in that community, it’s not practical or safe to make them wait for the necessary funding,” said Senator Amedore.

The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.