July 30, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION IN RECOVERY ACT FUNDING FOR CITY OF PLATTSBURGH
Project Will Create Jobs and Seal the Landfill to Protect Public Health
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the City of Plattsburgh will receive approximately $2 million in clean water funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding, provided via the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, will help to fund the closure of the Akey Road municipal landfill. The project will protect public health and the environment by preventing groundwater and surface water pollution. Construction of this project, which will help to create or retain approximately forty jobs, will begin in September and is scheduled to be completed by November 2010.
“This is an essential water quality project that it would have been difficult for Plattsburgh to fund on its own,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “This funding through the recovery act comes at a critical juncture and will help protect groundwater and public health, and also create jobs. I would like to thank President Obama and New York’s Congressional Delegation for their tireless efforts to secure water infrastructure monies within the economic recovery program.”
The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation will provide financing for the entire project, which includes the design and construction of an impermeable landfill membrane liner and a groundwater interceptor trench. The total project costs of $4 million will be funded with a combination of a low-cost loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program and with 50 percent principal forgiveness grant from the ARRA. Environmental Facilities Corporation will calculate the city’s grant once final construction costs have been determined.
Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak said: “I am very grateful for Governor Paterson’s announcement providing funding for this very important project. Without this funding, the costs would have directly affected each and every resident in our community. I truly appreciate his continued support of Plattsburgh and the North Country. Each instance I have reached out to Governor Paterson and his Administration the response has been positive. Again, thank you very much.”
The following North Country communities have received a total of $23 million through ARRA for clean water projects: Ticonderoga, Essex, Schroon, Newcomb, Granville, Washington, Plattsburgh, and Clinton.
The following quotes were provided in support of the City of Plattsburgh clean water project:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “Investing in our water systems is essential to the economic well being and public health of residents in Plattsburgh and throughout the North Country. This funding from the economic recovery package will ensure that our water infrastructure is up to snuff to provide safe, quality drinking water to residents and create jobs in the process.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “This is the right investment for Plattsburgh. These federal dollars will help improve water quality, restore the environment, and make critical infrastructure upgrades to create jobs and help rebuild our economy. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and the entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and EFC Board Chairman Pete Grannis said: “Across New York, federal stimulus funding is enabling communities to move forward on important environmental projects like Plattsburgh’s. From closing landfills to upgrading sewage treatment facilities, stimulus funded projects will help protect New York’s natural resources. I would like to thank the Governor and our Congressional Delegation for the support that enabled these funds to be made available, and look forward to working with Plattsburgh officials to close and address environmental issues at the landfill.”
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Acting President Matthew Millea said: “This is an important project and one that we are proud to partner with the City of Plattsburgh in advancing. Governor Paterson and New York’s Congressional Delegation fought hard to include funding for water quality projects like this one in the Recovery Act program and it is a testament to their efforts that we make this important announcement today.”
Senator Betty Little said: “This is a smart investment that has important short- and long-term benefits. It meets the goal of economic stimulus by creating and retaining jobs, but it also protects the environment by preventing water pollution. I commend Governor David Paterson and his staff for supporting this project and congratulate Mayor Don Kasprzak, Environmental Facilities Corporation Acting President Matt Millea and others for their success in winning this grant. Strong teamwork gets great results.”
Assemblywoman Janet L. Duprey said: “I am pleased to join Governor Paterson in thanking federal officials for Recovery Act funding to assist the City of Plattsburgh. This project will protect the environment and water quality while providing funding relief for city taxpayers. I congratulate the Mayor and city officials for pursuing this grant, which I enthusiastically supported. The awarding of this funding is a shining example of federal, state and local officials working together for the ultimate benefit of local residents and businesses.”
