August 31, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $23 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR HUDSON VALLEY DRINKING WATER PROJECTS
Governor David A. Paterson today announced $23.2 million for drinking water projects in the Hudson Valley through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The projects in Orange and Westchester counties will improve drinking water systems, create jobs and better protect public health. The Governor announced a total of $87 million for 14 such projects across the State.
“Safe, potable water is necessary for our lives and livelihood and these economic recovery funds will support major capital improvements to our drinking water systems,” Governor Paterson said. “In addition to improving the quality of our water, these funds will also create new jobs and promote economic development. I thank President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for setting aside stimulus funds for these critical projects.”
The funding will support capital improvements to drinking water systems, including the construction of new wells, pumps and pump stations, water storage tanks, and disinfection systems; the replacement of aged water distribution mains; and the expansion of public water to areas currently served by poor quality private wells.
The projects include:
- The Beaver Dam Lake Water Corporation in Orange County will receive $2.2 million to support the planning, design and construction of the project to address various drinking water quality issues. The project will include a new well source, a new water storage tank and replace water distribution mains that are leaking and have experienced breaks.
- The Village of Warwick in Orange County will receive $2.2 million to support the planning, design and construction for the improvements to the Village's water system. The source water from the existing Well #2 requires additional treatment. The project specifically includes the upgrade of the existing well source and the construction of a micro-filtration water treatment plant to address drinking water quality issues.
- The Village of Briarcliff Manor in Westchester County will receive $18.8 million to support the construction of a new 6.0 MGD NYC Catskill Aqueduct Tap with a meter, siphon controls, treatment, and a new pump station. The tap will be located just above the existing tap, which is shared by Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
The following statements were provided in support of the drinking water projects:
Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “The economic recovery package is putting people to work updating our aging water infrastructure in counties across New York State. The investment will provide safe, quality drinking water for countless residents, boost the local economy and save or create jobs in the process.”
Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “This is a great investment for New York. These federal funds will create new jobs, rebuild critical infrastructure, help us clean up the environment and deliver clean drinking water to New York families. 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.”
Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “No responsibility is more basic than ensuring the safety of public water. I am pleased federal stimulus funding will help our state improve drinking water systems, which will create jobs and protect public health.”
State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. said: “New York’s drinking water systems are second to none when it comes to excellent water quality and quantity, but there is a continued need to reinvest in the critical drinking water infrastructure needed to supply drinking water to our 20 million residents.”
New York State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “New York has made major progress in improving water quality since the passage of the Clean Water Act. The last thing we want to do is turn back the clock. Thanks to Governor Paterson and our Congressional delegation, New York has secured a record amount for stimulus-funded clean water projects that will help communities around the state struggling to repair old infrastructure systems, boost local economies, and protect water quality for this and future generations.”
Environmental Protection Agency Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou said: “This funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will not only ensure clean water, which is vital to the health of every city and town across New York State, but also create jobs, provide a boost to local economies and protect public health.”
Acting President of the State Environmental Facilities Corporation Matthew Millea said: “Our partners at the Department of Health have done an exemplary job in working to identify these communities and ensure that they benefit from the federal stimulus program. We look forward to doing our part to help make these important public health projects a reality.”
Senator Suzi Oppenheimer said: “I want to thank Governor Paterson for securing federal stimulus funds for the construction of a new Catskill Aqueduct Tap in Briarcliff Manor. This capital improvement will protect our most essential natural resource –water- while creating new jobs and fostering economic development in Westchester County.”
Assemblyman Richard Brodsky said: “I’d like to thank the Obama Administration, our Congressional Delegation, and Governor Paterson for securing stimulus funding to support major improvements to our drinking water systems. Along with clean water, these funds will help create jobs and promote economic development in Westchester.”
Assemblywoman Sandra Galef said: “I am pleased to see federal stimulus dollars coming to our region ensuring a long term safe and clean water supply, and particularly for the Village of Briarcliff Manor, which I represent. The local benefits to infrastructure will be significant. This large scale construction project will also create job opportunities which are much needed at this time. Thank you to the Department of Health and the Environmental Facilities Corporation for shepherding these drinking water projects through the ARRA process.”
