Governor Hochul Highlights Over $185 Million for Local Water Infrastructure Projects Across New York State

 

Approval of Financial Assistance Authorizes Municipal Access to the Capital Needed for Projects that Reduce Risks to Public Health and the Environment

Refinancing a New York City Project with Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding is Projected to Save $33 Million for City Ratepayers

$189 Million Bond Sale Approved to Refinance Projects, Saving Borrowers $125 Million While Providing Funding for 25 Projects

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved over $185 million in direct financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The Board's approval authorizes municipal access to over $94.7 million in low-cost short-term financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, including treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water.

The Board also took action to help ensure continued, long-term affordability of existing projects. This includes a $189 million bond sale which, when combined with previously authorized grants will save municipalities an estimated $125 million in debt service payments for 25 projects statewide.

“New York is committed to providing reliable access to clean and safe water,” Governor Hochul said. “This historic investment is a key step towards bolstering our environmental resiliency, public health, and economic development in communities across the state.

The funding approved today includes over $44 million from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). BIL funding for water and sewer infrastructure is administered by EFC through the State Revolving Funds. New York City was approved to receive a $42 million long-term interest-free BIL financing for the North River cogeneration and electrification project that’s underway. Based on current market conditions, this interest-free financing is projected to save city ratepayers an estimated $33 million over 30 years. A $2 million BIL grant was also approved for Hicksville in Nassau County for a drinking water project to treat emerging contaminants.

The Board's approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs.

Clean Water Projects:

• Village of Carthage, Jefferson County – $231,750 short-term, interest-free financing and $561,375 WIIA grant for the planning, design and construction of collection system improvements. The Village also will receive a $1,726,900 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal grant.
•  Town of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County – $1,573,000 short-term, interest-free financing for the planning, design and construction of sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment improvements at the town's water pollution control facility.
• Village of Depew, Erie County – $202,500 short-term, interest-free financing, $877,500 short-term market-rate financing and $458,750 WIIA grant for the planning, design and construction of sanitary sewer improvements to reduce inflow and infiltration in the village's collection system.
• City of Peekskill, Westchester County – $750,000 WIIA grant for the planning, design and construction of sanitary sewer main improvements at Lower South Street, including installation of a new pump station and force main to reduce inflow and infiltration to Westchester County’s Peekskill Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Drinking Water Projects:

• Carle Place Water District, Nassau County – $5,000,000 WIIA grant for the installation of an advanced oxidation process treatment system and a granular activated carbon treatment system at Well No. 5 for the removal of 1,4-dioxane.
• Garden City Park Water District, Nassau County – $4,363,200 WIIA grant for the installation of an advanced oxidation process treatment system for the removal of 1,4-dioxane and a granular activated carbon system for the removal of PFOA and PFOS.
• Genesee County – $1,213,600 IMG for improvements to the county water supply to allow for an additional 2.4 million gallons per day through the Monroe County Water Authority water supply.
• Hampton Bays Water District, Suffolk County – $2,724,000 WIIA grant for the installation of two 12" water transmission mains across the Shinnecock Canal and the Shinnecock Bay.
• Hicksville Water District, Nassau County – $3,000,000 WIIA grant and $2,000,000 BIL-Emerging Contaminants (EC) grant for the installation of advanced oxidation process and granular activated carbon treatment system at Plant No. 6 wells 6-1R and 6-2 for the removal of 1,4-dioxane, PFOA and PFOS.
• Plainview Water District, Nassau County – $13,840,200 WIIA grant for the installation of an advanced oxidation process treatment system and a granular activated carbon treatment system at Plant No. 5, Well Nos. 5-1, 5-2, 5-3 and 5-4 for the removal of 1,4-dioxane, PFOA and PFOS.
• Saratoga County Water Authority, Saratoga County – $10,000,000 short-term market-rate financing for the construction of an additional 5-million-gallon water storage tank adjacent to the existing 5-million-gallon water tank at the Cordero Drive Tank site.
• South Farmingdale Water District, Nassau County – $3,000,000 WIIA grant for the installation of an advanced oxidation process treatment system and a granular activated carbon treatment system at the Plant No. 6 facility for the removal of 1,4-dioxane from Well No. 6-2
• South Huntington Water District, Suffolk County – $3,435,075 WIIA grant for the installation of an advanced oxidation process treatment system for 1,4-dioxane removal and the installation of Filtrasorb F-300AR carbon for PFAS removal in existing granular activated carbon vessels.
• City of Troy, Rensselaer County – $35,657,000 short-term market-rate financing and $3,000,000 WIIA grant for the replacement of existing transmission mains with new mains from Church Street to the Melrose Pretreatment Facility (approximately 5,500 linear feet each), as well as the reinforced concrete pipe from the Melrose Pretreatment Facility to the Rock Tunnel at Gate House 2 (approximately 2,500 linear feet).
• Village of Wurtsboro, Sullivan County – $1,047,600 WIIA grant for the construction of approximately 1,100 linear feet of 8-inch ductile iron pipe water main on Sullivan Street to Kingston Avenue, replacement of 8 water service connections and the replacement of the 300,000 gallon above-ground water storage tank in the village.

Refinancing Completed Projects Will Achieve Long-Term Debt Service Savings

The Board approved long-term refinancing for six existing projects totaling $90.6 million. Short-term financing provides capital for design and construction of projects. Once project construction is completed, the short-term financing is typically refinanced to long-term financing for up to 30 years, saving municipalities significant interest expenses versus financing on their own.

In addition to the financing provided to NYC, additional projects approved for long-term interest-free financing include the Albany Municipal Water Finance Authority in Albany County, the Village of Lake George in Warren County, the town of Pamelia in Jefferson County and two projects for the City of Schenectady in Schenectady County. Based on current market conditions, these long-term financings are projected to save ratepayers an estimated $103 million in interest payments and previously authorized grants over the life of the financings.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality and Current Funding Opportunities

New York State's nation-leading investment in clean water infrastructure totals $5 billion since 2017. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the 2023-24 Enacted Budget includes the $500 million in clean water funding. The Governor launched Community Assistance Teams this year to expand EFC's technical assistance program and help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding to address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with their water infrastructure needs is encouraged to contact EFC at efc.ny.gov/CAT.

The voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats, and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. Disadvantaged Communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent.

Share your ideas for how the Bond Act could help your community and environment. Complete the short survey at https://bit.ly/BondActSurvey to submit project ideas and other feedback. The survey deadline is Sept. 15.

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches For 477 Gerard Avenue In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 477 Gerard Avenue, a 13-story residential building in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Michael Kang Architecture and developed by Jai Ganesh Realty, the structure yields 66 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 20 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $61,715 to $198,250.

Amenities include a shared laundry room, assigned parking spaces, bike storage lockers, elevator, and an outdoor terrace. Residences come with dishwashers, air conditioning, and patios or balconies. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 10 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,800 for incomes ranging from $61,715 to $165,230, and ten two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,050 for incomes ranging from $70,286 to $198,250.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than October 24, 2023.

VCJC News & Notes 8/25/23

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders

1. Shabbos
   
   
   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 8/25/23 @7:21 pm
   Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely. 
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 8/26/23 @ 8:24 pm
    

2. Responses needed
   The Book of Remembrance flyers have been mailed out. Please respond BEFORE SEPTEMBER 6th.  
   Flyers have been mailed out for Holiday Greetings, Holiday tickets and
   Membership dues.  Your quick response would be appreciated!
   You can purchase tickets and pay dues online.

3. 1st Night of Selichot

   Saturday September 9th 8:45PM

   
   
   Services to be Held at:

   KCI 

   3220 Arlington Ave

   Riverdale, NY 10463

    

   If you would like to attend services and need transportation to the shul please contact the office via phone or email (vancortlandtjc@aol.com) or you can visit the office during regular hours and give them your name.

    

   Please try and notify the office by September 7th.

   If you are planning to attend services and want to volunteer to transport people to the shul please notify the office.
   

4. Lulav & Etrog Sets for Sale

   
   

   Have your Lulav and Etrog Set delivered directly to the Shul.  Sets Available at 4 Different Price Points

   $30.00

   $37.00

   $46.00

   $56.00

    

   If you are interested in ordering a Lulav & Etrog Set through the shul, you can call or email (vancortlandtjc@aol.com) the order to the office or come and visit the office during regular office hours.  Please specify the number of sets you wish to order and the price point of the sets you want.  If using email please make sure to include your name in the email.

   All orders must be received by September 15th.

   If you will not be in shul for the first days of the Sukkot Holiday and still want to place an order let the office know so we can arrange for you to pick up your set before the holiday begins.

   Payment does not need to be made at the same time as submitting your order

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

3880 Sedgwick Ave

Bronx, NY 10463

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S ASYLUM SEEKER ADDRESS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after New York Governor Kathy Hochul provided an address on the asylum seeker crisis in New York:

“We appreciate Governor Hochul’s acknowledgement of the incredible work that New York City has done to manage the influx of tens of thousands of asylum seekers in the last year, and we are gratified to hear that she is calling for immediate federal action. Since the spring of 2022, our city has borne the brunt of a national crisis — providing shelter and care for a population greater than the entire city of Albany. Confronted with the unsolicited arrival of more than 104,000 men, women, and children, many of whom went through hell to arrive in this country and are now seeking asylum, the city has already opened 206 emergency shelters — twice as many as we had open four short months ago — and, if things do not change, we’re on track to spend more than $12 billion over three fiscal years.

 

“The status quo cannot continue. Put simply, New York City has largely managed this national crisis — a crisis that we believe New York state has an important role in helping to solve — alone. Although we’re disappointed that the state today appears to minimize the role that they can — and must — play in responding to this crisis, the state must fulfil its duty to more than 8 million of the state’s residents who call New York City home. Whatever differences we all may have about how to handle this crisis, we believe what is crystal clear is that whatever obligations apply under state law to the City of New York apply with equal force to every county across New York state. Leaving New York City alone to manage this crisis — and abdicating the state’s responsibility to coordinate a statewide response — is unfair to New York City residents who also didn’t ask to be left almost entirely on their own in the middle of a national crisis. 

 

“We cannot continue this seemingly endless race of opening shelters just days — and sometimes hours — ahead of the rate of new arrivals. We will lose that race. We’ve been clear about the systemic changes we need — changes that, in the long run, will become an investment in our state and our country’s workforce. We’ve been saying it since last year: We need the federal government to allow asylum seekers to work, so they can provide for themselves and their families. We also need the state and the federal government to implement decompression strategies, so no one municipality has to manage a disproportionate share of this crisis. Further, we are asking the governor to ask the federal government to declare a state of emergency, so we can more easily access additional resources. And we are asking the governor to use her powers to prevent counties from issuing exclusionary emergency orders and give us the resources needed to get people out of shelter, so that they can move on to the next steps in their journeys.”

New Rochelle Man Charged With Bronx Shooting

 

Tyriek Skyfield Allegedly Fired Two Shots at Victim, Wounding Him

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Steven A. Nigrelli, the Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging TYRIEK SKYFIELD with firing two shots at a victim on a residential street in the Bronx, injuring the victim.  SKYFIELD will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.   

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Tyriek Skyfield fired two bullets at another individual on a residential street in the Bronx.  One of those bullets struck the victim, injuring him.  Thanks to the swift action of our law enforcement partners, Skyfield is now being held accountable for his alleged violent actions.”

NYSP Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said: “This case sends a clear message that senseless acts of gun violence will not be tolerated, and justice will prevail.  Working together with all levels of law enforcement, we can and are making a difference in the fight to end gun violence in our communities.  I commend our New York State Police investigators, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the NYPD for their swift and diligent work on this case.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint:[1]

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, shortly before 10:00 p.m., SKYFIELD fired two gunshots at another individual (“Victim-1”) in the vicinity of Needham Avenue in the Bronx.  

Surveillance video captured SKYFIELD brandishing a handgun at Victim-1 seconds before firing one of the shots.  A still image from the surveillance footage is below:

One of the gunshots struck Victim-1 in the foot. 

After firing the shots at Victim-1, SKYFIELD fled the scene on foot and was picked up outside a nearby building by a white BMX X6 SUV a few minutes later.

SKYFIELD later traveled to a club in Queens as a passenger in the same car.  Video surveillance footage from the club showed SKYFIELD presenting proof of identification and entering the club:

The club’s identification records, in combination with video surveillance footage, indicated that the individual seen entering the club in the above still images was SKYFIELD.

After canvassing the scene of the shooting, NYPD officers recovered a shell casing from one of the gunshots in a nearby yard.

SKYFIELD was not permitted to possess ammunition because of prior felony convictions, one of which was a conviction for an armed robbery.

SKYFIELD, 31, of New Rochelle, New York, is charged with possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYSP and the Special Agents and Task Force Officers of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and thanked the New York City Police Department for its assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Z. Margulies is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Justice Department Sues SpaceX for Discriminating Against Asylees and Refugees in Hiring

 

Asylees and Refugees With Relevant Information Should Contact the Justice Department

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) for discriminating against asylees and refugees in hiring. The lawsuit alleges that, from at least September 2018 to May 2022, SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them, because of their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

In job postings and public statements over several years, SpaceX wrongly claimed that under federal regulations known as “export control laws,” SpaceX could hire only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, sometimes referred to as “green card holders.” Export control laws impose no such hiring restrictions. Moreover, asylees’ and refugees’ permission to live and work in the United States does not expire, and they stand on equal footing with U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents under export control laws. Under these laws, companies like SpaceX can hire asylees and refugees for the same positions they would hire U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. And once hired, asylees and refugees can access export-controlled information and materials without additional government approval, just like U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

“Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation also found that SpaceX recruiters and high-level officials took actions that actively discouraged asylees and refugees from seeking work opportunities at the company. Asylees and refugees have overcome many obstacles in their lives, and unlawful employment discrimination based on their citizenship status should not be one of them. Through this lawsuit we will hold SpaceX accountable for its illegal employment practices and seek relief that allows asylees and refugees to fairly compete for job opportunities and contribute their talents to SpaceX’s workforce.”

The department’s lawsuit alleges that SpaceX discriminated against asylees and refugees based on citizenship status at multiple stages of the hiring process. For example:

• SpaceX discouraged asylees and refugees from applying for open positions, through public announcements, job applications and other online recruiting communications that excluded asylees and refugees.
• SpaceX failed to fairly consider applications submitted by asylees and refugees.
• SpaceX refused to hire qualified asylee and refugee applicants and repeatedly rejected asylee and refugee applicants because of their citizenship status.
• SpaceX hired only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, from September 2018 to September 2020.

SpaceX recruits and hires for a variety of positions, including welders, cooks, crane operators, baristas and dishwashers, as well as information technology specialists, software engineers, business analysts, rocket engineers and marketing professionals. The jobs at issue in the lawsuit are not limited to those that require advanced degrees. 

Asylees and refugees are migrants to the United States who have fled persecution. To obtain their status, they undergo thorough vetting by the United States government. Under the INA, employers cannot discriminate against them in hiring, unless a law, regulation, executive order or government contract requires the employer to do so. In this instance, no law, regulation, executive order or government contract required or permitted SpaceX to engage in the widespread discrimination against asylees or refugees that the department’s investigation found, as explained in the complaint.

Because SpaceX works with certain goods, software, technology and technical data (referred to here as export-controlled items), SpaceX must comply with export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations. Under these regulations, asylees, refugees, lawful permanent residents, U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals working at U.S. companies can access export-controlled items without authorization from the U.S. government. Therefore, these laws do not require SpaceX to treat asylees and refugees differently than U.S. citizens or green card holders. Find more information here on how employers can avoid discrimination when complying with export control requirements.

The United States seeks fair consideration and back pay for asylees and refugees who were deterred or denied employment at SpaceX due to the alleged discrimination. The United States also seeks civil penalties in an amount to be determined by the court and policy changes to ensure it complies with the INA’s nondiscrimination mandate going forward.

Please contact the department’s Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) at IERSpaceXcase@usdoj.gov or 1-888-473-3845 if you are or were an asylee or refugee who experienced any one of the following at any point in time:

(1) You applied to a job at SpaceX and were rejected.

(2) You were discouraged from applying to SpaceX because you were not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

(3) A recruiter or other SpaceX employee told you that SpaceX could only hire U.S. citizens and/or lawful permanent residents.

IER is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute generally prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation; and intimidation. 

Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video. Applicants or employees who believe they were discriminated against based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, recruitment or during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify); or subjected to retaliation, may file a charge. The public can also call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); e-mail IER@usdoj.gov; sign up for a free webinar; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites.

Attorney General James Fights to Keep Dangerous Assault Weapons Out of Communities

 

Multistate Coalition of 18 Attorneys General Defends Delaware Ban on Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today took action to defend legislation that bans dangerous assault weapons and restricts the use of large capacity magazines. Joining a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Attorney General James urged the court to reject challenges to Delaware laws banning assault weapons and restricting large capacity magazines that were enacted in 2022. Gun safety measures are an important part of fighting the flow of illegal guns into New York. Seventy-five percent of all crime-related guns recovered in New York originated from out of state, with the “iron pipeline” running up the East Coast being a top source for trafficked weapons. Like New York, Delaware bans assault weapons, restricts large capacity magazines, and prohibits bump stocks and other devices that increase the rate of fire of semiautomatic weapons. The challenge to Delaware's laws puts New Yorkers at risk by making it easier to obtain dangerous weapons in nearby states.

“Assault weapons are designed to be used on battlefields and military bases, not in neighborhoods and schools,” said Attorney General James. “Far from making people safer, these deadly weapons are a clear and ever-present danger in communities throughout our nation. The iron pipeline means that a gun purchased legally elsewhere can be smuggled into New York, putting our families at risk. That is why I will fight tirelessly and use every tool at my disposal to get assault weapons off the streets and defend laws that stop gun violence.”

State laws like Delaware’s that restrict assault weapons and other deadly accessories are an important tool to fight gun trafficking on the “iron pipeline,” a route through the East Coast in which guns are trafficked north to places like New York from southern states with fewer regulations. Although numerous East Coast states like Delaware, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have successfully enacted assault weapons bans, striking down Delaware’s ban could present a danger to these and other nearby states.

Attorney General James and the coalition of attorneys general argue that Delaware’s laws should be upheld because they are in line with common restrictions at the state and federal levels. Nine other states, including New York, have enacted similar assault weapons bans and 14 other states, including New York, have enacted similar restrictions on large capacity magazines. In addition, the attorneys general assert that Delaware’s laws are in line with the Second Amendment because they restrict dangerous weapons that are not commonly used or useful for self-defense. Assault weapons were used in over 30 percent of mass shootings in the past decade, and they were used for self-defense in just 0.2 percent of active shooter incidents between 2000 and 2021.

Joining Attorney General James in filing today’s amicus brief are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

This amicus brief is a part of Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to address gun violence throughout New York and across the nation. She recently joined a multistate coalition of attorneys general in an amicus brief before the Supreme Court urging the justices to uphold a federal law preventing domestic abusers from accessing guns. In May, Attorney General James sued a gun accessory manufacturer that aided the Buffalo mass shooter. In April, she took action to remove more than 3,000 guns off New York’s streets in a single day through the first-ever statewide gun buyback program, and has removed over 7,000 guns from New York since taking office. In March, Attorney General James and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force took down a firearm and drug trafficking operation that illegally sold guns, including ghost guns and assault weapons, in New York City. The takedown recovered 19 firearms, including 12 ghost guns. Also in March, Attorney General James secured a court order banning 10 gun distributors from selling and shipping ghost gun parts into New York. In December 2022, Attorney General James and the task force removed 57 illegal firearms, including 51 ghost guns, as part of a 438-count indictment against three individuals. In June 2022, Attorney General James sued 10 national gun distributors for bringing ghost gun parts into New York.