Albany, NY – With more than $2 billion in additional bank settlement funds available this year, a diverse group of organizations, including local officials, health, and environmental advocates and more are urging Governor Andrew Cuomo and state legislators to invest $800 million into community water infrastructure as part of the SFY2016-17 budget.

Last year, Governor Cuomo and state legislators created that budget line and earmarked an initial $200 million for wastewater and clean water projects over three years on the newly established Water Infrastructure Improvement Act budget line. The Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) have identified the need to invest over $36 billion in wastewater and $38 billion in drinking water infrastructure over 20 years. DEC has also stated that at least $1 billion must be invested by all levels of government annually to meet local sewer infrastructure needs alone.

One of New York’s greatest assets is water. Safe, healthy, and functioning water infrastructure is crucial to the state’s efforts to maintaing a high-quality of life while attracting new economic development, particularly upstate.  Clean water is central to the prosperity of our New York communities, and the reliability and resiliency of the state's water system infrastructures is integral for economic growth and quality of life for New York State residents.

Click here to read our letter to Governor Cuomo.