$1 Billion Could Fund New York Water-Sewer Upgrades
New York's aging and inadequate sewer and water systems could possibly receive $1 billion in federally-funded improvements if two proposed bills are passed, U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer said Tuesday.
"This is a very high priority," he said.
Schumer visited the village of Owego to discuss the bills, one that would provide low-interest loans and a second grants to municipalities. The loans and grants would go toward state water and sewer system upgrades and expansions. According to Schumer, these bills will likely get to the Senate this fall.
"Local municipalities are being starved for funding by the federal government," Schumer said. And elected officials from Tioga and Broome counties in New York said they agree with the senator.
"This is an issues that faces us all," said Binghamton Mayor Matthew T. Ryan.
Many systems throughout the state were built in the first half of the 20th century and have combined sewer and water systems. Municipalities are thus facing problems such as cracked sewer pipes, exposed sewer lines and overwhelmed wastewater treatment facilities. Some sewer lines have been backflowing into houses, yards and streets during times of excessive rain, and water treatment facilities are releasing sewage into state rivers to deal with the overflow.
"It's a problem of health, it's a problem of safety and it's a problem of jobs," Schumer said, adding that local taxpayers cannot afford to foot the bills associated with relevant repairs, replacements and extensions.
Wastewater infrastructure funding has decreased by 55 percent since 1972, leaving states unable to cover costs.
"It's time the federal government steps up to the plate," Schumer said.
Owego Mayor John Loftus, though he is pleased that aid might be on the way, said he is curious about the terms of the proposed grants and loans. Grants require municipalities to pay a certain pecentage of the cost, and loans must be repaid. "There's still going to be a burden," he said.
Source: Press & Sun-Bulletin