October 1 , 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $9.8 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDS FOR CLEAN WATER PROJECTS IN WESTERN NEW YORK
Governor David A. Paterson today announced $9.8 million for innovative water quality projects in Western New York through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funds were awarded to 10 different projects through a new State initiative known as the Green Innovation Grant Program, which promotes sustainable, environmentally sensitive water infrastructure and technologies.
The grants will support cost-cutting solutions for progressive water conservation, energy efficiency technologies for drinking water systems and clean water infrastructure. The projects include green roofs, permeable pavement, rain harvesting and progressive wastewater treatment processes. In addition, the program expands green job opportunities across the State and builds upon a legacy of green municipal works and entrepreneurship.
“These investments boost local economies and create new jobs, while also promoting our environmental sustainability. In Western New York, we will soon see innovative solutions to threats to our rivers, lakes, and streams – whether though wastewater treatment upgrades to green roofs installations,” Governor Paterson said. “I applaud President Obama, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and our Congressional Delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery, development and environmental stewardship.”
Last March, the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) solicited projects to identify green infrastructure opportunities in need of funds. Officials from EFC, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and State Department of Health reviewed nearly 300 applications seeking nearly $468 million. The selected projects were then submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for final approval. Each grant recipient must comply with the ARRA, Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act and the New York State Revolving Fund requirements.
New York received $432 million through the ARRA for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $86 million for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The ARRA requires states to direct 20 percent of their stimulus funding to water quality projects that use innovative approaches to energy and water efficiency, incorporate stormwater infrastructure, and use innovative treatment technologies. A full list of the grant recipients announced today is available at www.nysefc.org/greengrants.
Western New York projects to receive Green Innovation Grants include:
- $3.2 million to Monroe County for the construction of a highly visible and educational green roof on part of the plaza level of the Monroe County Civic Center.
- $2.55 million to the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, Chautauqua County, for the upgrade of existing digesters at the wastewater treatment facility, restoring the bio-solids process to allow the facility to effectively use the methane gas from the sludge digesters for power generation.
- $1.7 million to the Village of Medina, Orleans County, for the installation of green infrastructure at the wastewater treatment facility to achieve greater energy efficiency, while creating renewable energy and managing stormwater. Green improvements include rainwater harvesting, a green roof, solar units, and energy-efficient lighting.
- $718,900 to the Town of Williamson, Wayne County, for the installation of green infrastructure at the wastewater treatment facility to achieve greater energy efficiency, while creating renewable energy and managing stormwater. Green improvements include rainwater harvesting, a green roof, solar units, and energy-efficient lighting.
- $546,500 to the Village of Lyons, Wayne County, for numerous green improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, including rain harvesting, a green roof, solar lighting, variable frequency drives and pipeline detection equipment. These advances will allow the facility to achieve greater energy efficiency standards, while conserving water and managing stormwater runoff.
- $342,000 to the Town of Tonawanda, Erie County, for the installation of a high-efficiency variable speed pump at the Parker Pump Station, increasing energy efficiency and reducing fuel use. This variable speed pump will handle dry weather or low-flow events, allowing for the existing pumps to operate solely during wet weather events.
- $275,100 to the Village of Elba, Genesee County, for several green improvements at its wastewater treatment plant including rainwater harvesting, solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, an effluent-powered heat pump and pipeline leak detection equipment.
- $263,300 to the City of North Tonawanda, Niagara County, for the construction of bioretention cells and rain gardens to capture and infiltrate stormwater, reducing the largest continuous area of impervious surface in the City.
- $151,200 to the Town of Amherst, Erie County, for the removal of impervious surfaces and construction of rain gardens to treat approximately 5,000 cubic feet of stormwater runoff from on the 2.4 acre project site. This project will be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of green infrastructure in managing stormwater runoff.
- $86,850 to the Village of Oakfield, Genesee County, for the construction of a 6,700 square foot reed bed at their wastewater treatment facility to provide an energy-efficient approach to conventional sludge dewatering systems.
For more information of New York State’s ARRA funds, please visit www.recovery.ny.gov. Additional resources regarding the New York State Revolving Fund program are available at www.nysefc.org/recovery.
The following quotes were provided in support of Western New York’s Green Innovation Grant projects:
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “Investing in these energy efficiency water projects is smart and responsible. It will create jobs even while it saves consumers money, and improves our water infrastructure to provide safe and clean drinking water for residents throughout New York State. It is critical that we invest in these types of energy efficient technologies to promote conservation and reduce our reliance on foreign fossil fuels. I will continue to support these types of projects that will save localities and ratepayers money.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “These are great investments for New York. These federal dollars will help upgrade infrastructure, produce more clean energy sources right here in New York, cut emissions and improve our environment, while creating jobs and helping to rebuild our economy. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and the entire Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
Congressman Brian Higgins said: “This project helps build upon local efforts to bring clean, renewable energy technologies that will strengthen the economy to Jamestown. This investment is just one example of how the stimulus bill passed by Congress earlier this year is helping communities like Jamestown invest in a sustainable future.”
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter said: “When we passed the stimulus package in February, we made it clear we need to invest in a new green economy. Western New York pioneered clean energy in Niagara Falls. I'm pleased to see these projects in Rochester and Tonawanda continue in that tradition.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and EFC Board Chairman Pete Grannis said: “New York’s future depends on clean water. The health of our communities, the protection of our environment and the prospects for economic growth all are linked to modern, reliable water infrastructure systems. Today, we are making an investment in the future of dozens of communities across the state, helping them install cutting-edge green technology that will provide benefits well into the future.”
EFC Acting President Matthew Millea said: “The Green Innovations Grants Program represents a new approach to how we intend to promote the smart, innovative and sustainable design of our water infrastructure in the years ahead. Under the leadership of Governor David Paterson, we are making great strides in improving our administration of the SRF programs in an effort to finance many more projects like those announced today.”
State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., said: “Access to safe, clean drinking water is critical to public health. These green drinking water projects not only will protect public health but also will reduce energy costs while creating jobs.”
Senator George Maziarz said: “This grant funding will help local communities bring key components of their infrastructure into the 21st century. The energy efficiency upgrades, using the latest technology, will reduce municipal operating costs and that is good for taxpayers everywhere.”
Senator Michael Nozzolio said: “As a ranking member on the Senate Energy Committee, I have strongly supported the development of alternative and renewable sources of energy. From installing solar units and green roofing to rainwater harvesting and managing storm water runoff, these improvements to our wastewater facilities will create renewable energy, protect the environment and reduce costs. I was proud to work with Governor Paterson, Assemblyman Oaks and the Environmental Facilities Corporation to secure this critical funding that will make the wastewater treatment plants in Williamson and Lyons more energy efficient.”
Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said: “These local projects are vitally important to ensuring our towns’ infrastructure remains strong and viable for years to come. These much needed improvements will ultimately result in reducing costs for local governments and energy consumption without any change in delivery of services for residents.”
Senator Catharine Young said: “The City of Jamestown’s wastewater treatment plant is in dire need of an upgrade, with some vital equipment that hasn’t been replaced in over 50 years. This funding will not only create jobs in construction, but it will utilize cutting edge technologies to improve energy efficiency at the BPU plant to better protect both the public’s health and the environment. I applaud the Governor’s efforts in helping the City of Jamestown meet their current and long-term goals with modernizing their wastewater system.”
Assemblyman Jim Hayes said: “The grant will be helpful in controlling erosion and flooding in the Town of Amherst. I congratulate Amherst officials for taking the initiative to apply.”
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said: “I am pleased that innovative green projects in Elba, Oakfield and Medina have been identified and funded as such. The funded projects will help these communities and their residents to live more environmentally sound lives while conserving resources.”
Assemblywoman Susan John said: “I thank Congresswoman Slaughter for her efforts to bring $3.2 million for energy efficiency and education, as well as construction work. At a time when our region faces record unemployment, this funding brings an important opportunity for our local workforce. As noted by the EFC, this project will also be a visible reminder to both residents and businesses to be part of the solution on energy efficiency.”
Assemblyman Robert Oaks said: “This funding will allow two important projects to move forward in Wayne County which will benefit local taxpayers, save energy and help to protect the environment long into the future. Both the Village of Lyons and Town of Williamson will benefit immensely by these projects.”
Assemblyman Robin Schimminger said: “This announcement of Green Innovation Grant stimulus funding is certainly welcome news for Western New York, and for the Town of Tonawanda and the City of North Tonawanda in the 140th Assembly district. Providing financial assistance for sustainable, environmentally-sensitive water infrastructure and technologies, such as the town’s planned installation of a high-efficiency wastewater pumping system and the city’s plans to construct bioretention cells and rain gardens, will help local governments join the state in putting green policies into practice.”
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said: “On behalf of Monroe County, I would like to thank Governor Paterson for recognizing our efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and safeguard the environment through the awarding of these federal stimulus dollars. During these times when everyone is trying to discover ways to save money and tighten their budgets at home, government is leading by example and finding creative and innovative solutions that save taxpayer’s money by cutting energy and water-use costs.”
Village of Elba Mayor Stephen R. Goff said: “The Village of Elba is very proud to be chosen to receive these funds. We are planning to make our wastewater treatment plant more efficient by using green tech. On behalf of the Village Board, I would like to thank the Governor for selecting this small community.”
Town of Williamson Supervisor James Hoffman said: “The Green Innovation Grant Program provides much needed support to update our aging infrastructure. This grant makes it possible for Williamson to take its first step toward an energy efficient technology and green infrastructure at the wastewater treatment plant. The Town of Williamson is very grateful for Governor Paterson’s support and is enthusiastic about meeting the goals of the grant.”
Village of Lyons Mayor Corrine Kleisle said: “The Village of Lyons is very pleased to be chosen for the Green Innovation Grant Program through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This green technology will realize energy and costs savings almost immediately through utility costs savings. We will be showcasing innovative technology that can be used in rural areas throughout New York State. We would like to thank the Governor and the EFC staff for this very good news.”
Village of Oakfield Mayor Richard Pastecki said: “On behalf of the residents of the Village of Oakfield and the Village Trustees, I would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Governor Paterson and the Environmental Facilities Corporation for this generous grant award. This modest but invaluable project will not only aid in containing costs for our residents, but also serve as an example of common sense solutions to sensible and cost-effective conservation.”
City of North Tonawanda Mayor Lawrence V. Soos said: “On behalf of the City of North Tonawanda, we were elated when learning that the City was successful in receiving Federal Stimulus funds for such worthwhile projects that will help address stormwater runoff problems in our city and will also serve in the ‘greening’ of our infrastructure, while saving taxpayers money. I thank Governor Paterson for his assistance.”
Village of Medina Mayor Adam Tabelski said: “This grant funding has the short-term benefit of helping the Village of Medina undertake needed improvements to our wastewater treatment plant, and the long-term benefit of helping us achieve energy cost savings. We will be utilizing the latest environmentally-friendly technology to make lasting and substantial upgrades to our infrastructure.”
City of Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi said: “This $2.55 million grant in ARRA funds will allow the City of Jamestown to advance the replacement of equipment originally installed in 1956. Thanks to the innovative and progressive leadership of Governor David Paterson and New York State’s Green Innovation Grant Program, the City of Jamestown’s Board of Public Utilities will be able to capture additional amounts of methane for use in our boilers and generator that support our wastewater treatment operations. These improvements will greatly reduce the City’s carbon footprint, and further distinguish the City of Jamestown as an innovative and environmentally-focused leader in the public utility and energy business.”
