Senator Bynoe Champions Local Investments and Climate Resiliency in State Budget Proposal

(Albany, NY) – As negotiations continue, Senator Siela A. Bynoe (SD-6) is fighting to secure local investments in infrastructure and climate resilience in the final State Budget. Senator Bynoe voted to adopt the Senate’s One House Budget proposal, which included key funding priorities for her district and the State that would improve transportation systems and funnel necessary aid to localities. Specific highlights include:  

Prioritizing Local Funding: 

• Senator Bynoe led the push to secure an additional $31.3 million for DOT Region 10 (Nassau and Suffolk Counties) to compensate for past underfunding and to make urgent improvements to Long Island roads.
• The Senate proposal includes the second-year increase of $50 million in Temporary Municipal Assistance and provides $250,000 to establish a New York State Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) Redesign Task Force, which would modernize the AIM formula and index it to inflation. Both measures would help localities fund basic operations and service their communities.  

 Protecting Clean Water and Climate Resiliency: 

• The Senate proposal includes Senator Bynoe’s legislation (S.4988) which would create a rebate program for the purchase of Smart Irrigation devices on Long Island. This would help communities combat saltwater intrusion on Long Island’s aquifers.  
• Further includes $100 million to remove and replace lead pipes through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act.  
• Provides $100 million to create a Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program (SWAP), which would create a funding formula for water infrastructure repairs and improvements.  
• Advances language to establish the Office of Climate Resilience to coordinate State responses to climate threats.  
• Includes language to provide financial incentives to treat private wells contaminated with PFAS.  
   

Historic Increases Across the Board to Roads Funding: 

• The Senate’s budget proposal includes $800 million in bonding to offset inflationary increases to the DOT capital plan.
• Increases the Consolidated Highway CHIPS by $125 million, for a total of $723.1 million.
• Increases BRIDGE NY by $25 million, for a total of $225 million.
• Increases PAVE NY by $25 million, for a total of $175 million.
• Increases Extreme Winter Recovery by $25 million, for a total of $125 million.  

Senator Siela A. Bynoe said, “I recognize that investing in our infrastructure and climate resiliency is a commitment to building a safer and healthier future for our communities. As we work to stave off saltwater intrusion in the region, I am happy to continue my advocacy to conserve water by creating a rebate program for Smart Irrigation devices. Further, I am hopeful that my efforts in spearheading the push for additional funding to address Long Island’s deteriorating roadways will result in an additional $31.3 million for our roads. In the days ahead, I will be fighting to make sure these critical investments are included in the final budget so that we receive the resources we need.”