Albany, NY (September 21, 2021) – Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $600 million will be distributed to communities for clean water infrastructure projects and that an additional $1 billion in funding will be added to the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, which will be considered by voters in 2022. The Bond Act will provide a critical source of funding for protecting our environment and create more resilient coastlines, safeguard our drinking water, and ensure parks and natural areas remain accessible and free from development. 

Erin McGrath, Policy Manger for Audubon New York, released the following statement:

"Birds are telling us that we are in a climate emergency and it is wreaking havoc on our communities, our lands, and our waters. Investments in the conservation and restoration of our environment are now more important than ever, and increased funding for clean water infrastructure and the Environmental Bond Act – including critical nature-based solutions like restoring and enhancing wetlands and salt marshes – will provide direct support to communities that are experiencing the impacts of climate change. We thank Governor Hochul for taking bold steps to address these threats and committing increased funding to protect the places birds and people call home.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Sharon Bruce, sharon.bruce@audubon.org

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About Audubon New York
Audubon New York, a state program of the National Audubon Society, protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more at www.ny.audubon.org.