Governor Hochul Announces $53 Million for Clean Water Systems and Drinking Water Infrastructure Projects Statewide

 

Projects Located in Central New York, Mid-Hudson Valley, Long Island, North Country, Southern Tier and Western New York Regions`

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation has approved more than $53 million to help nine municipalities finance their drinking water and wastewater projects. The grants, interest-free financings and low-cost financings approved by the EFC Board of Directors help provide innovative solutions for critical infrastructure projects across the state that protect or improve water quality. Of the project financings announced today, over $20 million will be allocated to plan, design and construct a regional wastewater treatment plant for the villages of Watkins Glen and Montour Falls in Schuyler County.

"By investing in clean water and drinking water infrastructure, New York is helping to protect public health, quality of life and the environment," Governor Hochul said. "We will continue to work hard to help local governments access the resources they need to complete critical water infrastructure improvement projects and lay the groundwork for growth and resiliency for generations to come." 

Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Joseph Rabito said, "Water infrastructure investments are tough decisions for our communities. Governor Hochul has a unique understanding of these challenges having led on these issues at every level of government. Governor Hochul's announcement today puts a premium on the partnerships that makes our communities healthier and more vibrant.  Through EFC, New York State is partnering with local governments and providing grant funding for effective planning that gets shovels in the ground faster through the Engineering Planning Grant program (EPG), leading to affordable financing and completion of these critical investments."

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and EFC Board Chair Basil Seggos said, "As a leader with experience serving at all levels of government, Governor Hochul understands how sustained investments through New York's robust Clean Water Infrastructure Act and Clean Water State Revolving Fund provide communities across the state with the financial flexibility to fund critical clean water infrastructure improvements. Clean water projects help safeguard public health and the environment, keep our economy running, and create good paying jobs."

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "New York's aging infrastructure requires modernization in many municipalities where resources are tight. This latest funding will assist communities that are facing significant costs for addressing drinking water system upgrades and improve wastewater storage through projects that are both cost-effective and environmentally sound."

The Board's approval includes financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund ("CWSRF") and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund ("DWSRF") and grants pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA).

The project financings approved at the September 2 meeting include:

Drinking Water Projects:

• Village of Cattaraugus in Cattaraugus County - $848,477 in long-term, interest-free financing to upgrade spring water sources, replace the water transmission main from the spring sources to the water distribution system, treatment system upgrades and water meter replacement.
• Town of Hume in Allegany County - $2,018,700 grant from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and $1,279,600 in short-term, interest-free financing to extend the town system to serve the Hume-Sanford Springs water system.
• Town of Lewisboro in Westchester County - $289,500 WIIA grant to install water treatment software, new equipment and flushing valves and hydrants.

Clean Water Projects:

• Village of Watkins Glen in Schuyler County - $13,806,415 in long-term, interest-free financing for the planning, design and construction of a regional wastewater treatment plant facility to serve the villages of Watkins Glen and Montour Falls.
• Village of Montour Falls in Schuyler County - $5,662,103 in long-term, interest-free financing for the planning, design and construction of the aforementioned regional wastewater treatment plant facility with Watkins Glen.
• Village of Phoenix in Oswego County - $2,734,136 in long-term, interest-free financing for wastewater system improvements.
• Village of Potsdam in St. Lawrence County - $12,078,502 in long-term, interest-free financing for improvements to the wastewater treatment plant and pump station.
• Town of Highlands in Orange County - $1,569,584 in long-term, interest-free financing for wastewater treatment plant repairs and improvements.
• Village of Westhampton Beach in Suffolk County - $1,784,500 WIIA grant, $3,025,378 in short-term, interest-free financing and $8,025,377 in short-term, market rate financing to construct a new sewer collection system and upgrade the county sewer district sewage treatment plant.

In addition, the Board approved a $255 million bond that will refinance 64 existing wastewater and drinking water projects at a lower interest rate, saving approximately $24 million for ratepayers across the state. The bond issuance will also provide long-term financing for 37 existing infrastructure projects, helping municipalities to continue moving forward with meaningful projects that protect public health and resources in a cost-effective manner. 

As part of its financial services that save communities time, money and staff resources, EFC annually reviews its portfolio and leverages its high credit rating and market demand to help its municipal partners recognize savings on qualified existing bonds.

The communities that will benefit from refinancing their projects through the $255 million bond issuance had participated in earlier project financings through EFC with various drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects through the State Revolving Funds. Refunding bond sales deliver additional savings for EFC's municipal partners by refinancing the original bonds that funded their projects at an even lower interest rate.

The CWSRF and the DWSRF are the EFC's core funding programs. With its partner DEC, EFC is responsible for the operation and administration of the CWSRF. The CWSRF allows EFC to provide interest-free or low-interest rate financing and grants to support a variety of eligible water quality improvement projects. EFC similarly operates and administers the DWSRF, with its partner DOH, provide interest-free or low-interest rate financing and grants for drinking water infrastructure projects. To learn more about how EFC provides access to low-cost capital, grants and expert technical assistance, visit EFC's website at www.efc.ny.gov.

Declaration of Local State of Emergency City of New York

 

Emergency Executive Order 232

WHEREAS, the public safety is imperiled by a flash flood emergency caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida that has flooded roads, impacted mass transit, and stranded motorists;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to take all measures to protect life and property; and

WHEREAS, on September 1, 2021, I declared a state of emergency to exist within the City of New York;

NOW THEREFORE, by the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of New York pursuant to law, including Executive Law § 24, I hereby order:

Section 1.  I hereby direct that the State of Emergency declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 230, dated September 1, 2021, is extended for three (3) days.

§ 2.  Alternate side of the street parking rules shall be suspended on Friday, September 3, 2021 and Saturday, September 4, 2021.

§ 3.  This order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for three (3) days unless it is terminated or modified at an earlier date.

Bill de Blasio

MAYOR

United States Obtains $140 Million in False Claims Act Judgments against South Carolina Pain Management Clinics, Drug Testing Labs, and Substance Abuse Counseling Center

 

 Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina has entered $140 million in default judgements against a group of South Carolina pain management clinics, drug testing laboratories, and a substance abuse counseling center.  This combined judgment is one of the largest ever False Claims Act judgments in the District of South Carolina. 

Specifically, a default judgment entered on September 2, 2021, for the United States against Oaktree Medical Centre, P.C., FirstChoice Healthcare, P.C., Labsource, LLC, Pain Management Associates of the Carolinas, LLC, and Pain Management Associates of North Carolina, P.C. totals $136,025,077.  It follows a July 20, 2020 default judgment in this matter in the amount of $4,269,084.78 against ProLab, LLC and ProCare Counseling Center, LLC.  The Court entered these judgments after these defendants failed to defend against the United States’ allegations.

In its Complaint, filed on May 31, 2019, the United States alleged the pain management clinics and drug testing laboratories – all of which were owned or operated by chiropractor Daniel McCollum – provided illegal financial incentives to doctors and mid-level providers to induce the referrals of urinary drug tests, in violation of the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute.  The United States also alleged the pain management clinics, laboratories, and a substance abuse counseling clinic billed federal healthcare programs for unnecessary urinary drug testing.  Finally, the United State alleged the pain management clinics billed or caused to be billed false claims for steroid injections, opioid prescriptions, and lidocaine ointment prescriptions because the injections and prescriptions were medically unnecessary and/or lacked a legitimate medical purpose.  

McCollum answered the United States’ Complaint and remains a party to the ongoing litigation.

Congress passed the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute to prevent financial incentives from improperly influencing medical decision-making, which can lead to excessive and unnecessary tests and services.  Among other things, the Stark Law prohibits billing Medicare for laboratory testing services referred by a physician who has a financial relationship with the laboratory.  The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying anything of value to induce the referral of items or services covered by federal health care programs, including laboratory testing services. 

“Improper financial relationships between health care providers and laboratories can lead to overutilization and increase the cost of health care services paid for by the taxpayers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division.  “We will continue to ensure that health care decisions are based on the needs of patients rather than the financial interests of providers.”

“Patients should not have to question whether their doctor recommended a test or procedure for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney DeHart.  “For years, these companies used improper financial incentives to generate healthcare provider referrals.  This $140 million judgment is a cautionary tale of why health care fraud does not pay.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Donna Rauch, Muriel Calhoun, Brandy Knight, Karen Mathewson, and Tracy Hawkins, former employees of pain management clinics owned or operated by McCollum.  Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. 

The qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Rauch, et al. v. Oaktree Medical Centre, P.C., et al., No. 6:15-cv-01589-DCC (D.S.C.); United States ex rel. Mathewson v. Dr. Daniel A. McCollum, et al., No. 6:17-CV-01190-DCC (D.S.C.); and United States ex rel. Hawkins v. Pain Management Associates of the Carolinas, LLC, et al., No. 8:18-cv-02952-DCC (D.S.C.).

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Statement from Speaker Corey Johnson, Chair of Committee on Resiliency and Waterfronts Justin Brannan, Chair of Committee on Environmental Protection James F. Gennaro, and Chair of Committee on Transportation Ydanis Rodriguez

 

Re: Flooding from Hurricane Ida

  “What happened on Wednesday raises several urgent questions, including why we weren’t better prepared for an anticipated storm. The City Council will hold an oversight hearing on September 14, at 10 a.m. to get answers on the MTA and the City’s preparation and response to the catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Ida. We know climate change is an unavoidable factor at this point, so at the very least, we need an infallible plan to warn and protect New Yorkers for the storms to come.

The Council has been and continues to be committed to addressing the climate crisis. In 2019, we passed the Climate Mobilization Act, the most ambitious and innovative package of bills any major city has ever considered to combat the existential threat of climate change. We also put out a transit report, Let’s Go: A Case for Municipal Control and a Comprehensive Transportation Vision for the Five Boroughs, which highlighted the need for New York City to prioritize green infrastructure in transportation projects. In 2020, we went on to release a 189-page report, Securing Our Future: Strategies for New York City in the Fight Against Climate Change, outlining recommendations to aggressively fight this crisis.

That said, given the scope and urgency of the matter, there is always more to do, and clearly we must take these initiatives even further. Not only does the future of our City and planet depend on it, but the immediate impact on New Yorkers’ lives is at stake.”

Governor Hochul Announces New Requirements and Guidance for the Safe Reopening of New York Schools

 

Requirement for COVID-19 Testing for Teachers and other School Employees—with Opt-Out for Vaccinated—Passes Public Health and Health Planning Council; Read the Regulation Here and the DOH Determination Letter Here

Department of Health Releases New Guidance for K-12 School Reopening; Read Guidance Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that her strategy to reopen schools safely took a major leap forward on two fronts, demonstrating her administration's commitment to making the health and well-being of students, teachers, and families a top priority. Earlier today, the Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an emergency regulation and the Health Commissioner issued a determination requiring all teachers, administrators and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination, with either a CDC vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass.

The Governor also announced that the New York State Department of Health has finalized and released official guidance for classroom instruction. These new actions follow the Governor's announcement last week of a mask requirement for everyone in school buildings during instructional hours and extracurricular activities. The guidance prioritizes in-person learning and details recommendations and requirements for vaccinations, face masks, physical distancing, and testing to monitor potential transmission, among other areas. The guidance largely tracks with the CDC guidance which districts were advised to follow. It is also intended as a floor and schools have the flexibility to go beyond the guidance.    

"My top priority is to get children back to school and protect the environment so they can learn, and everyone is safe," Governor Hochul said. "On day one of my administration, I announced a series of bold back-to-school initiatives, including a universal mask requirement for anyone entering our schools. We are now issuing guidance to make sure our school staff are vaccinated or tested regularly for themselves and their families, our students, and our communities. Our children deserve to be safe and protected in schools, and I am doing everything in my power to guarantee that."

The emergency regulation, which authorizes the Commissioner to require weekly testing or proof of vaccine, will apply to all schools in New York State until it is no longer necessary as described in the language of the regulation.  

During a recent Zoom meeting, school officials, union leaders, and other education advocates asked for State public health professionals to provide additional clarity and guidance on school re-opening. Per the new guidance, schools should implement physical distancing to the extent possible within their structures but should not exclude students from in-person learning to meet a minimum distance requirement. Further, a distance of at least 3 feet is strongly recommended between all students and a distance of at least 6 feet is recommended between students and teachers/staff, and between teachers/staff who are not fully vaccinated. Students and drivers must wear masks on school buses, including on buses operated by public and private school systems, regardless of vaccination status, subject to applicable exclusions and exemptions.

State Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said, "We need to get all of our children back in schools and in a safe environment which promotes healthy learning. While we continue to work with local school districts and local health departments, we listened to feedback from parents, teachers and education advocates who asked for additional statewide guidance on masks, vaccines, social distancing and testing and for recommendations on challenges like school bus safety and navigating high-risk sports and extracurricular activities." 

The Commissioner's determination for masking in schools, issued August 27th, applies to all indoor settings, including indoor sports and extracurricular activities. For indoor sports and extracurricular activities in which masking is not possible, such as swimming, a minimum distance of 6 feet must be maintained. Schools are encouraged to implement required screening testing for participants who are not fully vaccinated. 

Schools must have capacity and offer screening testing for any teachers and staff at least once a week. Schools must also have the capacity to provide diagnostic testing for any student, teacher, or staff member who is symptomatic or has been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19. There are a variety of options and significant funding to achieve this testing and schools should continue to work closely with their local Department of Health.

In addition to implementing the test-vaccine requirement, DOH recommends that all public school districts and non-public schools should support opportunities for students and staff to access COVID-19 vaccination clinics in collaboration with local health partners. The guidance continues the daily reporting requirement for school districts to ensure they are providing data to the NYS School COVID Report Card, another tool to share COVID-19 information with families and communities. 

For more information, please see the DOH school guidance here and the PHHPC regulation here.

TEAM BIAGGI CHECKING IN AFTER TROPICAL STORM IDA / REVISANDO SU BIENESTAR DESPUÉS DE LA TORMENTA IDA

 

Dear Community, 

I hope you and your loved ones are all doing well and staying safe after Tropical Storm Ida hit last night. Unfortunately, District 34 and surrounding areas suffered from record breaking rain and flooding. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the storm, and I send my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives as a result of it. 

My office and I want to offer any assistance that we can provide at this time. Below are resources for both NYC and Westchester residents that may prove useful during this time. If you have lost power, experienced damaging flooding, or need any other assistance due to the tropical storm, please let us know here so that my office and I can properly assist you. 

NYC residents: 

• To report storm damage in your area: http://on.nyc.gov/report-damage.
• To report power outages: https://on.nyc.gov/3t9hahI.
• If you have any flooding or storm damage that you still need addressed, contact 311 immediately to report it.
• If you have not yet enrolled for Notify NYC’s emergency alerts, enroll here.
• Mass transportation continues to be limited and experiencing delays. 
• To find an open Red Cross shelter near you, visit this link. 
• For emergency assistance, call the NYC Red Cross chapter at 877-733-2767. 

Westchester residents: 

• To report power outages or gas and electrical service problems, call (800) 75-CONED.
• To report an electricity power outage, call (800) 572-1131 or check outages in your area here. 
• To check on major highway conditions across the county, visit here.
• Call the county police at (914) 864-7700 for the latest county parkway conditions. 
• To find an open Red Cross shelter near you, visit this link. 
• For emergency assistance, call the Westchester Red Cross chapter at 203-869-8444. 

As a reminder, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a State of Emergency for New York last night that remains in effect. Please continue to exercise caution and avoid all unnecessary travel at this time.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me and my office at biaggi@nysenate.gov or by calling our office at 718-822-2049. 

With Gratitude, 

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

 

70% of Adults in New York Have Completed Vaccine Series

59,841 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

33 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"As we address challenges and work to rebuild on several fronts, it's critically important that we double down on all the essential efforts and precautions we've been taking to beat back the virus," Governor Hochul said. "The Delta variant is a serious threat and we cannot let down our guard. If you still need to get your shot, please don't hesitate another day. The faster we get everyone vaccinated, the faster we can overcome the challenges of the pandemic and come back stronger than we were before."  

  

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 163,926
• Total Positive - 4,943
• Percent Positive - 3.02%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.31%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,319 (+34)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 354
• Patients in ICU - 499 (+6)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 255 (+5)
• Total Discharges - 193,390 (+277)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 33
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS -43,635

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 55,642

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

• Total vaccine doses administered - 23,788,396
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 59,841
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 374,391
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 77.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 70.1%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 80.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 65.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 58.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 67.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 60.3%

The Ali Forney Center - Run the NYC Marathon for the Ali Forney Center

 

Didn't get a NYC Marathon slot in the drawing? Join the Ali Forney Center's Marathon Team to enter the race and fundraise in support of our LGBTQ youth. It is more important than ever that we continue to work to protect our youth by providing the supportive services necessary to help them thrive and prepare for independent living. APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 8TH Not a runner but still want to show your support? Check out our donation page to contribute, cheer on our team, and share with your friends. Questions? Call 212-400-0282 or click here. APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 8TH