Griffo and Buttenschon announce signing of inland waterways bill

New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Marcy, announced today that legislation they sponsored designating several area creeks as inland waterways has been signed by the Governor.
 
The legislation (S2906A/A6963A) designates Ferguson, Moyer, Mud, Ninemile, Oriskany, Reall, Sauquoit, Six Mile and Wood creeks as “inland waterways.” This designation provides local governments with the opportunity to access the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and to apply for funding for flood mitigation and economic development.
 
Deputy Minority Leader Griffo’s legislation was cosponsored in the Senate by Sen. James Seward, R-C-I-Ref-Oneonta. Cosponsors of Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s bill included Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-I-C-Ref-New Hartford, and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam.
 
Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said, "I am pleased that the Governor has signed this legislation into law and am appreciative of the efforts of my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly who successfully advocated for this bill.  We are fortunate to have such strong partnerships among Mohawk Valley legislators who can come together in a bipartisan manner to address an issue affecting many in our communities."

Assemblywoman Buttenschon said, "I’m thankful that the governor has signed this bill and that the Senate and Assembly have been able to work together on getting this vital piece of legislation signed into law. Mohawk Valley towns and villages along our creeks will progress positively through boosting local economies and new opportunities because of the access to funding for redevelopment, new recreational activities and conservation efforts to safeguard our environment."

Sen. Seward said, "As co-chairman of the Mohawk Valley Nine, I have worked closely with area senators and members of the Assembly to advance legislation and polices that address the needs of our shared region. Sen. Griffo and Assemblywoman Buttenschon's bill is a winning example of our bipartisan efforts to stand up for key constituent concerns."

Assemblyman Miller said, "We are thrilled that this legislation has been signed into law and will now help a number of local communities in our districts. This is what happens when legislators work together for the betterment of their communities. This really is a win for the residents in these areas, and I am thankful to my colleagues for joining me in this initiative."

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