October 1 , 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $6.4 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDS FOR CLEAN WATER PROJECTS IN THE MOHAWK VALLEY
Governor David A. Paterson today announced $6.4 million for innovative water quality projects in the Mohawk Valley through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funds were awarded to five 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. The Mohawk Valley will soon see innovative solutions to threats to our rivers, lakes, and streams that make for healthier water systems,” 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.”
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson said: “These Green Innovations Projects will allow New Yorkers to confront a range of clean water issues in creative ways, and provide real solutions during these economically challenging times. Green infrastructure projects are helping us rebuild the foundations for prosperity that kept our economy strong in the past and are making us more sustainable for the future.”
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.
Mohawk Valley projects to receive Green Innovation Grants include:
- $4.89 million to the City of Gloversville and the City of Johnstown, Fulton County for the finalization of the combined heat and power (CHP) program at the local wastewater treatment facility. This environmentally innovative process will allow for the creation of renewable clean power, generating enough electricity onsite to meet all of their electric energy needs.
- $244,800 to the Village of Cooperstown, Otsego County for the installation of a force main and new premium high-efficiency pumps at the wastewater treatment plant to convey effluent to the previously constructed wetlands as an environmentally innovative method of treating wastewater effluent through the natural processes in the wetland.
- $203,100 to the Village of Sharon Springs, Schoharie County for the installation of 306 new meters to promote water conservation. A 20 percent reduction in water use, which is typical for newly metered systems, would result in a water savings of approximately 13.5 million gallons per year.
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 the Mohawk Valley’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 Michael Arcuri said: “I am glad to see Recovery Bill money going towards important projects across the region to protect our water supply and our environment simultaneously. Across Upstate New York, infrastructure improvements like this one are crucial to the economic vitality and environmental sustainability of our cities and towns and I know that we will continue to see Recovery Bill funding being used for significant projects like these in the future.”
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 will also reduce energy costs while creating jobs.”
Senator Joseph Griffo said: “Utica’s award is well-deserved and well-earned. The City Administration has had an ecological strategic plan in place since the beginning of his term. This grant will assist the Mayor and the other City leaders in achieving the goals set forth in those initiatives. I’m pleased that Governor Paterson’s Green Innovation Program recognized the importance of beautification with practical, useful end results. I commend the City Administration for identifying this worthy project.”
Senator Hugh Farley said: “I am absolutely thrilled that the Cities of Gloversville and Johnstown are in line to receive the largest area grant, $4.89 million, for their combined heat and power project at the wastewater treatment facility. These are the kind of smart projects we need to be investing in. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Senator James Seward said: “Groundbreaking, forward-thinking projects like these will mean vital local infrastructure upgrades designed to make immediate improvements and protect our environment for future generations. Utilizing government funds for these green projects will also allow local municipalities to keep a little of their own green at a time when so many are fighting to do the right thing environmentally while reducing pressure on local taxes and ratepayers.”
Senator David Valesky said: “Central New York is proving itself to be a leader in the development and implementation of innovative green technology. I am pleased that so many projects are receiving funding which will expand this burgeoning industry, create jobs and attract new companies to the region.”
Assemblyman Marc Butler said: “I commend the Cities of Johnstown and Gloversville for this innovative and cooperative approach to creating this source for renewable clean power, and I thank Governor Paterson for recognizing the value of this project and providing the funding to help make it a reality. These local communities are showing that even in these difficult times, we can find the means at hand to address the issues that confront us.”
Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito said: “As a sponsor of the legislation (Assembly Bill 8901) to create and administer the ‘green jobs, green New York’ program, I am very pleased that we will be able to use federal stimulus financing for innovative green projects here in the Mohawk Valley region. The new projects being funded in the Cities of Utica and Rome will help New York companies that provide projects and services promoting energy efficiency and green technologies. It also will use these new technologies to help solve an ongoing problem with stormwater runoff into the Mohawk River.”
Assemblyman Peter Lopez said: “I’m pleased to be a partner in announcing strengthened state investment in Sharon Springs. The combination of this funding, together with the recent awarding of the RESTORE NY awarding for the Imperial Bathhouse restoration will go a long way in helping position the community for continued economic growth. This is good news for Sharon Springs!”
Assemblyman William Magee said: “Not only will Cooperstown residents and taxpayers benefit from stimulus funds to install new wastewater pumps, but the village will also be able to advance an environmentally friendly wastewater treatment plan. This funding is an important investment in the quality of life and environmental upkeep in the Leatherstocking Region.”
City of Utica Mayor David R. Roefaro said: “For the City of Utica, this Green Innovation Grant will allow the city to continue on a course of sustainability. My administration has been the first to make a real commitment to embracing green innovation, and this grant will help us continue on that path. Already, we can boast of Utica’s green accomplishments. In just under two years, we’ve planted more trees than ever before. We’ve rewritten history with the Elm Tree Project. We’ve lowered energy consumption in municipal buildings, and we’re examining new energy sources for Downtown. Today’s announcement is no doubt, a sign that Utica’s hard work and outreach in Albany is paying off. We’re being noticed for our commitment to environmentalism. I’d like to sincerely thank Governor Paterson for both his personal support and his interest in Utica. Securing this competitive grant will allow me to reforest more of my city. This funding will allow my administration to utilize rain, water runoff, and quell the erosion of parkland. Citizens should be proud today; Albany has just given our progress two green thumbs up.”
City of Rome Mayor James Brown said: “We are thankful for the support of our area State elected officials as well as Governor Paterson for their continued support of our local projects, and for the opportunity to implement our green infrastructure program. This is one of a host of strategic projects to improve our downtown with innovative solutions to real problems, like stormwater management. This specific project is based upon current and accepted science promoted by the Cornell University and the New York State Urban & Community Forestry Council. We are proud that the Mohawk Valley - Oneida County in particular - is emerging as a leader in the state as far as the application of sustainable infrastructure projects such as these.”
Village of Cooperstown Mayor Carol Bateman Waller said: “This grant will allow Cooperstown to implement a new and innovative system for wastewater treatment, using natural wetland green technology. Cooperstown will again set an example synonymous with this home for excellence and this will also help ease the infrastructure maintenance burden from the Village's taxpayers who support the region's largest visitor attraction, while helping preserve our environment.”
Village of Sharon Springs Mayor Omer Cousineau said: “I am pleased and grateful to be the recipient of this grant money which makes it possible for the village to continue its program of updating a system that has served the village since 1895. Without this grant, the project would be still on the drawing board.”
