Martucci, State Legislature Grants Land Conversion for New Paltz to Drill Wells and Improve Access to Safe Drinking Water

NEW PALTZ, NY – Legislation authored and introduced by Senator Mike Martucci (R,C,I-Hudson Valley and Catskills) to alienate parkland for the purpose of drilling water wells in the Village of New Paltz passed and is headed to the Governor for signature.

Under New York State law, anytime a municipality seeks to remove a parcel of designated parkland, it must offset the reduction by adding an alternative property of equal or higher acreage and value, requiring approval of the Legislature.

The Village Board determined that it was in the best interest of the public to utilize approximately 0.25 acres on the northwest side of the Moriello Pool plot in order to construct, install and maintain municipal drinking water wells.  The newly appointed parkland, to be conjoined with Hasbrouck Park, would improve stormwater treatment and expand the park’s recreational usefulness while the contemplated improvements at the intersection of Mohonk and Elting Avenues will create a safer environment for pedestrians and park visitors.

“Our municipal water system serves the Village of New Paltz, Town of New Paltz Water Districts, SUNY New Paltz and our K-12 school district.  For many years we have been working to identify local groundwater well sources to augment the water we buy from DEP. Senator Martucci, Assemblymember Cahill and both of their staffs were incredibly helpful shepherding this initiative through the state legislature in Albany on behalf of residents in New Paltz,” said New Paltz Village Mayor Tim Rogers.

“One of the first bills I asked my staff to work on after I was elected was this legislation for the Village of New Paltz, and I’m thrilled that it has cleared the Senate and Assembly,” said Senator Mike Martucci.  “This legislation will improve the village water system and allow them to pursue a more sustainable future. I appreciate Assemblymember Cahill’s partnership and I look forward to the Governor signing it into law. This is further proof that good things happen when we put community ahead of party and people before politics.”

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