GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $7 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDS FOR CLEAN WATER PROJECTS IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

Governor David A. Paterson today announced $7.89 million for innovative water quality projects in the Hudson Valley through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funds were awarded to 15 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 Hudson 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.

Hudson Valley projects to receive Green Innovation Grants include:

• $320,000 to the Roeliff-Jansen Library, Columbia County, for the implementation of numerous green infrastructure components to the newly created building, including the installation of a green parking lot with porous materials, a bioswale, a rain garden and water-efficient toilets and sinks.
• $405,900 to the Town of LaGrange, Dutchess County, for the refurbishment of their wastewater treatment facility, by replacing and upgrading to new energy-efficient aeration equipment.
• $144,000 to the Village of Millbrook, Dutchess County, for the installation of a fine bubble diffuser aeration system, reducing energy use by at least 20 percent and allowing the Village to comply with dissolved oxygen standards.
• $330,100 to the Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District for the redirection of stormwater to bioretention and infiltration areas from interior roads and parking lots at the Beekman and East Fishkill Town Halls, reducing stormwater impacts to Fishkill Creek.
• $284,800 to the Haines Falls Free Library, Greene County, for the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure, including the construction of a cistern for stormwater storage and reuse and the installation of permeable pavement and rain gardens in the Village of Tannersville in the Town of Hunter. These innovative components will reduce water use by almost 45 percent and treat approximately 500,000 gallons of stormwater per year.
• $13,500 to the Village of Greenwood Lake, Orange County, for construction of a riparian buffer adjacent to the area surrounding Greenwood Lake, protecting the water body from nonpoint source pollution.
• $550,900 to the Village of Greenwood Lake, Orange County, for the implementation of various green wet weather infrastructure improvements at the Village Hall Complex, including pervious pavement, rain gardens, biofilters and bioswales.
• $928,600 to Orange County for the construction of a green roof, a rainwater harvesting system and an irrigation system that will reuse stormwater onsite at the Newburgh Campus of the Orange County Community College.
• $314,200 to the Village of Ellenville, Ulster County for the installation of solar panels, generating renewable energy at the wastewater treatment facility. The photovoltaic system is projected to have an annual output of 61,000 kilowatt-hours, offsetting almost 14 percent of the plants annual electrical use.
• $234,000 to Westchester County for the installation of energy-efficient components to the Yonkers wastewater treatment plant. Replacement of lighting at the facility to more energy-efficient lamps will save 65 percent of the energy used for lighting around the 27-acre site.
• $2.1 million to the SUNY at Purchase, Westchester County, for the construction of a 24,000 square foot green roof. The green roof will decrease stormwater runoff by an estimated 33 percent.
• $1.77 million to Bard College, Dutchess County, for the installation of a new microfiltration system and a finished water storage tank.
• $233,100 to the City of Beacon, Dutchess County, for the installation of 400 noise logging leak detection units along 60 miles of distribution mains. These will help the City to identify and reduce water losses and therefore save energy from reduced pumping.
• $61,700 to the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority for the installation of 100 new water meters in the Shore Haven water system, resulting in an approximate savings of 1.7 million gallons per year.
• $201,400 to the Village of Wurtsboro, Sullivan County, for the installation of approximately 600 water meters for existing system within the Village. This will provide a more accurate account of water usage, encourage water conservation and result in saving approximately 16 million gallons of water per year.

For more information of New York State’s ARRA funds, please visit www.recovery.ny.gov. For more information the New York State Revolving Fund programs, please visit www.nysefc.org/recovery.


The following quotes were provided in support of the Hudson 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 Eliot Engel said: “The money for the Green Innovation Projects is an investment that will keep on giving to the people of New York for years to come. By reducing energy costs and conserving clean water along with the green other projects, we will make the world, including New York State, a better place to live. Water is a finite resource, as the people in our western states know well. Conserving it now will save it or our children and their children for generations. Governor Paterson is right on target by spending federal money on these developments.”

Congressman John Hall said: “Water is one of our most precious resources. The Green Innovation Projects in Orange and Dutchess Counties will create jobs in our community, conserve our valuable water and invest in smart and environmentally-sound infrastructure.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said: “Our State can be either a leader or a follower in promoting innovative and energy-efficient technology and infrastructure and I am pleased we are taking steps to become a leader. These projects will help create jobs and reduce energy consumption and I am particularly pleased federal funding will help SUNY Purchase rehabilitate its central plaza incorporating green construction techniques.”

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 John Bonacic said: “Energy efficiency is one of the most pressing issues for our nation and planet. Investing in green technology today will create a better environment and reduce costs paid by taxpayers to run our local governments.”

Senator Bill Larkin said: “This funding will allow Orange County Community College to utilize state-of-the-art practices for water conservation in the construction of their new campus in Newburgh. It is a wonderful addition to the campus and will put the college at the forefront in utilizing green technology.”

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer said: “The 24,000 square foot green roof at SUNY Purchase is precisely the kind of innovative project that is both environmentally friendly and economically sound. I want to thank the EFC and the federal government for their support of this project, which combines effective stormwater management practices with green collar job creation.”

Senator Steve Saland said: “At a time when taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet, the federal dollars will not only ease their burdens but also provide “green improvements” to our infrastructure. It is certainly exciting to witness the integration of innovative, cost effective measures with environmentally sensitive goals. The promotion of these energy saving technologies will certainly translate into a long-term win for taxpayers and consumers.”

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.”

State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “Investing in infrastructure and using today’s energy efficient technology is key to saving tax dollars and improving the quality of life in our communities. I am pleased to work with President Obama and Governor Paterson to ensure federal stimulus money is being used for these purposes and applaud the funding of Westchester County’s waste water treatment plant in Yonkers to install energy efficient lighting.”

Assemblyman Adam Bradley said: “I have a long record of supporting thoughtful, productive smart growth initiatives that grow the economy and create jobs while protecting our vital natural resources. The Green Innovation Grant Program is an example of such an initiative. I am particularly pleased that SUNY Purchase is receiving substantial grant monies toward a green roof, which will decrease stormwater runoff by an estimated 33 percent.”

Assemblyman Kevin A. Cahill said: “This project is crucial to the future of the village wastewater treatment facility and ensures that Ellenville residents will benefit from the Green Innovation Grant Program. I am proud the 101st Assembly District is a part of this important effort to convert from conventional energy usage to solar power, producing a new green economy here in the Hudson Valley.”

Assemblyman Peter Lopez said: “Advancement of new technologies for addressing drainage and stormwater management can make a big difference in combating soil erosion, sedimentation and flooding in our local streams and creeks. This is an exciting project and I’m thrilled that our own Haines Falls free Library will be playing a leadership role in demonstrating green stormwater practices.”

Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow said: “I am grateful that the federal government has approved important funding for upgrades at the Yonkers facility. The installation of energy efficient lighting will greatly reduce costs at the plant, which during this economic downturn is welcome news.”

Assemblyman Frank Skartados said: “Conserving and preserving clean water is critical to the health and safety of our environment. The Hudson Valley has many exciting conservation projects in the works that will increase efficiency and save money in the future. The funds from the Green Innovation Grant Program will go a long way toward implementing these cutting-edge, innovative solutions for water and energy conservation.”

Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said: “This Green Innovation Grant will allow Westchester County to improve road lighting at its wastewater treatment plant in Yonkers, realizing more than $8,000 a year on energy saving and maintenance costs. It is part of a larger $2.5 million project at the plant that will save $150,000 a year and reduce the carbon footprint by 105 tons annually. We thank the Governor and the Environmental Facilities Corp for making these environmental initiatives possible.”

City of Beacon Mayor Steven K. Gold said: “This is exactly the type of funding that makes sense! Every dollar spent on green water projects will pay for itself financially and return benefits to the environment that are incalculable. I applaud the Governor for making this investment to preserve our water resources throughout the State of New York and the City of Beacon.”

Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority Chairman Thomas LeGrand said: “We are pleased to receive this Green Infrastructure Grant to support the installation of water meters for all customers in our Shore Haven Water System. The promotion of water conservation is particularly important for this small water system that has limited water source capacity. The metering project will help us track usage so leaks can be found and repaired quickly and will allow our customers to see, through lower water bills, the immediate benefits of saving water.”

Village of Greenwood Lake Mayor Barbara Moore said: “Governor Paterson recognizes the need to integrate Federal Stimulus Funding with sustainable, environmentally innovative projects that invest in local economies. We thank him for allowing the Village of Greenwood Lake to strengthen its commitment to stormwater management in our watershed and for permitting us to take a step closer to becoming a green community.”

Town of LaGrange Supervisor Jon Wagner said: “The Town of LaGrange and more specifically, the users of the Titusville Sewer plant are truly grateful for this grant award. The users of this plant need the economic relief that will be generated by the installation of energy efficient components. Those same users and the Town would not have been able to make this expenditure without the grant. I applaud the Governor for this program and thank the NYS Environmental Facilities Corp. for their work.”

SUNY Purchase President Thomas Schwarz said: “We are honored that our proposal for the construction of a green roof that will decrease storm water runoff by 33 percent has been recognized under the Governor’s Green Innovation Grant Program. We know that our entire region will benefit from this grant. This builds upon our initiatives in green buildings and policies including our early membership in the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.”

Roeliff Jansen Library Director Carol Briggs said: “On behalf of the Roeliff Jansen Community Library and more importantly, the citizens of the Roe-Jan Community, we thank Governor Paterson and the NYSEFC for recognizing the importance of our project and helping us build a green library. From the outset, the Roe-Jan Community Library planned and began to construct an environmentally sound building. We are very grateful for the recognition and support.”

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