Senator Ryan Votes for Increased Clean Water Funding and Local Resources in Senate Budget Proposal

Includes $100 million for lead pipe replacement; increase in AIM funding; $20 million for the Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Sen. Christopher J. Ryan and the Senate majority have proposed a One-House budget that supports significant investments in clean water infrastructure, municipal aid and transportation funding. These allocations will provide critical resources for communities, including funding for lead pipe replacement, municipal assistance and regional airport improvements in Central New York.

“This budget proposal prioritizes the well-being of our communities by ensuring safe drinking water, modernizing our infrastructure, and enhancing transportation networks. These strategic investments reflect our commitment to building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for all New Yorkers,” said Sen. Ryan. “I am proud to support these essential investments that will directly benefit our residents and strengthen our local economies.”

Key Investments in Clean Water and Infrastructure

• $100 million for lead pipe replacement to ensure access to safe drinking water.
• An additional $100 million for the Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program (SWAP) to fund the replacement and rehabilitation of local public drinking water, stormwater, and sanitary sewer systems.
• $15 million within the Clean Water Infrastructure Act’s $500 million appropriation to reimburse for PFAS treatment systems for private wells.

Support for Local Governments and Communities

• A second-year increase of $50 million in Temporary Municipal Assistance, providing additional support for local governments.
• $250,000 allocated to establish a New York State Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) Redesign Task Force, aimed at modernizing the AIM formula and indexing it to inflation.

Major Investments in Transportation and Roads

• $800 million in bonding to offset inflationary increases in the Department of Transportation (DOT) capital plan.
• An increase of $125 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), bringing total funding to $723.1 million.
• An additional $82 million for the State Transit Operating Assistance (STOA) program, ensuring a 15% increase for non-MTA transit systems, totaling $5.2 billion.
• A $25 million increase in BRIDGE NY funding, totaling $225 million to improve bridge infrastructure statewide.
• An additional $25 million for PAVE NY, increasing total funding to $175 million to support roadway rehabilitation.
• A $30 million increase in State Touring Routes funding, bringing the total to $170 million for key state highways.
• An additional $25 million for Extreme Winter Recovery, ensuring $125 million in resources to address seasonal road damage.

Improvements at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport 

• $20 million allocated to the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority to support the design of a new parking deck and associated land improvements, enhancing accessibility and regional connectivity.

Mayor of Syracuse Ben Walsh said, “Senator Chris Ryan’s vote to support significant investments in municipal aid, clean water infrastructure and transportation funding will help the City of Syracuse continue our progress on replacing aging infrastructure and accelerate our path to fiscal stability. I am grateful to Senator Ryan for answering the call from Syracuse and cities across New York State to invest in the regrowth and sustainability of our communities.”

Mayor of Oswego Robert Corradino said, “Aid to communities like Oswego is essential for maintaining our infrastructure and quality of life projects. Increasing AIM and clean water funding along with providing 100 million dollars for lead pipe replacement will go a long way to helping us move forward with infrastructure improvements. I would like to thank Senator Ryan and all our state representatives for their support.”

Mayor of Fulton James Rice said, “I'm happy to see that some of the issues I lobbied for on Local Government Day have the support of our State Senator Christopher Ryan, including the Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program (SWAP) to fund critical water, stormwater, and sewer system upgrades; the increase in TMA, which, while not permanent, offers hope that modernizing the formula and indexing it to inflation will help small municipalities maintain essential public safety services; and the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), which funds Fulton's efforts to pave City streets and encourages neighborhood revitalization, improving quality of life. Thank you Senator Ryan for your efforts and supporting local governments.”

Syracuse City Auditor Alexander Marion said, “Good infrastructure is the foundation of a strong future. Private investment, healthy communities, and effective transportation will make cities like Syracuse stronger. I especially appreciate the proposed Commission to study state aid to local governments, which will make a difference in our long-term fiscal sustainability. The Senate Majority’s budget proposal does the right thing.  I thank Senator Chris Ryan for his steadfast leadership and look forward to him being a reliable partner for local government leaders in the years to come.”

Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Jason Terreri said, “We appreciate the advocacy of New York State Senator Chris Ryan and all our elected officials who tout the importance of investing in Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Allocations such as these ensure the airport - an essential economic engine for the area - will continue to support our region's growth well into the future.”