Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS POP-UP EVENT AT PELHAM PARKWAY HOUSES      

On August 22nd, Senator Rivera hosted a back-to-school pop-up event at Pelham Parkway Houses. Senator Rivera provided backpacks and school supplies to residents of the Pelham Parkway Houses. Thank you to Tacombi Nolita for providing meals to residents for this event, and Pelham Parkway Tenant Association and their President Oscar Grant for hosting the Senator!

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS COUNCILMEMBER SANCHEZ'S BLOCKS PARTY

This weekend, Senator Rivera attended Councilmember Pierina Sanchez's block party co-sponsored by the Committee for Hispanic Families and Children. Senator Rivera joined community members in an neighborhood bonding event with food, games, and entertainment.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS B.R.A.G WEST PEACE BBQ

Senator Rivera was thrilled to attend another barbecue hosted by Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG). The CURE violence intervention approach that BRAG implements in their day to day work in our community is crucial in addressing our gun violence epidemic. Senator Rivera is proud to have secured 240 thousand in critical state funding for BRAG to continue this invaluable work.

To learn more about about BRAG and the work they do to combat gun violence, click here.

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS FREE HOUSING & IMMIGRATION SERVICES WITH NMIC

Senator Rivera welcomed NMIC for our monthly Housing and Immigration Clinic at the Senator's District Office. NMIC's partnership with Senator Rivera's office has helped more than a hundred people receive free immigration and housing services over the past year. To schedule an appointment for the next NMIC Clinic in September, call the Senator's office at 718-933-2034.

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF NWBCCC

Senator Rivera attended the celebration of 50 years of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC). Senator Rivera has been proud to stand with NWBCCC over the years on the justice campaigns they are working on, like passing the New York Health Act and transforming the Kingsbridge Armory into a community asset. Senator Rivera was proud to sponsor the Backpack Giveaway and spend time with the incredible organizers and leaders of the NWBCCC.

To learn more about NWBCCC and get involved in the great work they do for the Bronx, click here.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS FORDHAM UNIVERSITY BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

Senator Rivera was excited to attend Fordham in Community's Back To School Festival at Fordham Plaza. At the festival, Senator Rivera joined community leaders in distributing backpacks and school supplies to thousands of children while providing resources for their families.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS MORRIS HEIGHTS HEALTH CENTER COMMUNITY EVENT

Senator Rivera joined neighbors at Morris Heights Health Center's Patient Appreciation day. At the event, MHHC announced the launch of their Healthy Destination Kids Campaign, focusing on food & nutrition awareness and vaccinations for children in the community

For every $2 spent at NYC farmers markets using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on an EBT card, shoppers can get $2 in Health Bucks up to $10 per day. Health Bucks are coupons redeemable for fruits and vegetables at all 130+ NYC farmers markets. For farmers market locations and hours of operation, see the 2024 Farmers Market Map.

Summer EBT helps low-income families cover the cost of groceries when school is out of session. Most households do not need to apply for Summer EBT food benefits. For more info, including eligibility requirements, click here

DUE 9/12: 2025 SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS IS NOW OPEN

The New York Health Foundation (NYHealth) 2025 Special Projects Fund Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open.

 

Special Projects Fund awards are one-time, nonrenewable funding opportunities available for organizations working to improve the health of New Yorkers, especially people of color and others who have been historically marginalized. Projects must address important and emerging health care and public health issues that fall outside NYHealth’s three priority areas:Primary Care; Healthy Food, Healthy Lives; and Veterans’ Health. NYHealth seeks to partner with a wide range of organizations implementing innovative projects that can improve health at the local, regional, or statewide levels.

 

Applicants must complete a letter of inquiry form (LOI) to determine whether a proposed project fits the funding criteria. LOIs are due on September 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. 

Selected organizations will then be invited to submit full proposals due on November 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

Governor Hochul Announces $42 Million to Protect the Eastern Finger Lakes Watershed

 

New Funding Delivers on Governor’s 2024 State of the State Commitment to Enhance Water Quality and Combat Harmful Algae Blooms

Builds on Record Investments Helping to Reduce the Frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms, Prevent Runoff, Protect Drinking Water, and Support Local Farmers

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $42 million to protect and enhance water quality in the eastern Finger Lakes region. This investment fulfills the Governor’s 2024 State of the State commitment to develop on-the-ground actions necessary to address the root causes of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and significantly reduce their prevalence while supporting projects that help prevent runoff into lakes and improve climate resiliency.

“Clean water is critical to sustaining the health of our communities, protecting our environment, and supporting local economies in the Finger Lakes,” Governor Hochul said. “New York continues to use every tool available as we build on local conservation efforts and assist our farmers and communities to improve resiliency, prevent pollution that can contribute to harmful algal blooms, and take great strides to achieving our climate goals.”

The Eastern Finger Lakes watershed covers more than 30 percent of the Lake Ontario drainage basin and contains seven of New York’s Finger Lakes and their watersheds: Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco lakes. The region recently reported a greater frequency of HABs, which threaten public health, recreation, and the local economy.

The State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Agriculture and Markets (AGM), the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and the 11 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in the Eastern Finger Lakes are working together to accelerate watershed protection and restoration measures to improve water quality and mitigate HABs. Last month, $1.2 million in funding was announced for the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition to build professional capacity and accelerate agricultural and resiliency-related projects.

This new $42 million investment, supported by the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and other capital resources, will accelerate water quality improvements, and combat harmful algal blooms in the region. Building on previous record-breaking water investments, this funding will directly support Coalition communities in designing and implementing innovative agricultural and resilience projects both on and off farms. Projects like these have been identified in clean water plans, local SWCD strategic plans and other pollution prevention plans to further drive down nutrient and sediment runoff in the Eastern Finger Lakes watersheds.

Key initiatives include:

• Expanding the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program to help farmers reduce water pollution from agricultural activities.
• Enhancing flood resiliency by stabilizing and protecting vulnerable streams, reducing sediment erosion, and upgrading culverts to minimize runoff.
• Bolstering cover crop adoption to improve soil health and water quality.
• Supporting nutrient reduction strategies outlined in watershed-based plans.

This critical investment will not only safeguard the health of our lakes but also empower local farmers by providing additional resources to implement BMPs. These practices, such as erosion and sediment controls, nutrient management, and reduced runoff, will contribute to cleaner water and soil health throughout the region.

Since 2017, DEC worked with stakeholders in the Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Owasco, and Skaneateles lake watersheds to develop clean water plans to protect and improve water quality. In 2018, DEC convened four regional summits to examine the causes of HABs and develop sustainable solutions to reduce impacts. DEC worked with State and local partners to develop and implement HABs Action Plans for 12 high priority waterbodies, including several in the Eastern Finger Lakes. New York State supports the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition as another action to aggressively lessen the impacts from HABs.

To date, New York State awarded more than $428 million in grants for projects statewide designed to reduce the frequency of algal blooms by targeting phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, factors that trigger HAB occurrences. Supporting SWCD programs aligns with recommendations from the Action Plans and with the regional protection/improvements priorities as described in the Finger Lakes and Great Lake Action Agendas, Lake Ontario Lakewide Area Management Plan, and other initiatives.

DEC also created the New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) page, which features an interactive map that provides active HAB locations. Members of the public should report suspected HABS so DEC experts can review and identify for accuracy. Because it is hard to tell a HAB from a non-harmful algal bloom, it is best to avoid swimming, boating, otherwise recreating in, or drinking water with a suspected bloom. DEC encourages people to “Know it, Avoid it, Report it!” all year round, especially during the summer. The summer months are the peak time for HABs – warmer weather, calmer conditions, and more sunlight will often contribute to the blooms.

Since 2014, Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the Eastern Finger Lakes watershed were awarded approximately $32 million to implement projects within the Eastern Finger Lakes watershed through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant program and the Agricultural Non-Point Source and Abatement Control program. These include erosion control practices, on-farm nutrient runoff control practices, riparian buffers, soil health practices, streambank stabilization practices, and nutrient management practices. Districts within the Eastern Finger Lakes watershed also received nearly $640,000 through two rounds of funding to plant more than 9,000 acres of cover crops.

Also since 2014, DEC awarded more than $55.7 million to 96 projects for water quality improvement planning and implementation within the Eastern Finger Lakes watershed through the Water Quality Improvement Project program and the Non-agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant. Projects funded prepare planning reports or directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. Awards within the Eastern Finger Lakes watershed included land acquisition for source water protection, streambank and road ditch stabilization, wastewater disinfection, sanitary sewer overflow improvements, sediment and erosion control, wetland restoration, riparian buffers, salt storage, and aquatic habitat restoration.

Other recent funding to help protect water quality includes more than $90 million in grants and low-interest financing to the City of Auburn announced by Governor Hochul and the State Environmental Facilities Corporation. This will support planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment improvements. To help promote buffers that prevent runoff and other water quality impairments, DEC recently established the 287-acre Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area along Cayuga Lake and awarded $1.2 million to the Finger Lakes Land Trust for land acquisitions to protect Owasco Lake water quality.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the 2024-2025 enacted State Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $5.5 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. In addition, the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act is helping State agencies, local governments, and partners access funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change.

The Governor also expanded EFC’s Community Assistance Teams to help all communities access assistance, particularly small, rural, and disadvantaged communities so they may leverage this funding and address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with funding its water infrastructure is encouraged to contact EFC.

Foundations Underway For 5055 Broadway in Inwood, Manhattan

 

Below-grade work is underway at 5055 Broadway, the site of an 11-story mixed-use building in Inwood, Manhattan. Designed by Fischer + Makooi Architects and developed by Timber Equities, the 155-foot-tall structure will span 50,808 square feet and yield 60 rental apartments in one- to two-bedroom layouts, with 25 percent dedicated to affordable housing, as well as amenities and ground-floor retail space. The 7,500-square-foot property is located between West 215th and 216th Streets and was once a surface-level parking lot.

Recent photographs show a concrete truck parked along the sidewalk as the new reinforced concrete foundations take shape behind the wooden fencing. YIMBY expects the superstructure to start rising above street level later this fall.

The new rendering in the main photo depicts 5055 Broadway clad in what appears to be a subtle pearlescent-hued paneling on the lower levels and floor-to-ceiling glass above. Balconies protrude from the southeastern elevation in a staggered pattern and the ground-floor retail storefront features broader expanses of glass and contrasting dark paneling. A landscaped roof deck caps the building.

The below rendering was the former architectural design for the project.

The former parking lot can bee seen in the Google Street View image below.

Residential amenities will include a lounge, a fitness center, a communal roof deck, a bicycle storage room, and tenant storage.

5055 Broadway is situated within a 59-block rezoned stretch of Inwood that was approved by New York City Council in the summer of 2021. Known as the Inwood Rezoning Plan, the initiative aims to create more than 4,000 units of affordable housing by 2032.

5055 Broadway’s anticipated completion date is slated for fall 2025, as noted on site. 

U.S. Attorney Announces Consent Decree With Legacy Builders For Violating Lead Paint Safety Regulations

 

Defendant Admits and Accepts Responsibility for Violations and Agrees to Injunctive Relief and a Penalty of $168,000

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Lisa F. Garcia, the Regional Administrator for Region 2 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced that the United States filed a civil lawsuit against LEGACY BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS CORP. (“LEGACY”) alleging violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”) and EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (“RRP Rule”).  The U.S. simultaneously entered into a Consent Decree resolving that lawsuit.  The Consent Decree includes a $168,000 civil penalty and requires LEGACY to take steps to mitigate potential harms caused by its conduct. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Legacy Builders failed to follow lead-safe work regulations designed to protect building occupants—including children—and workers from toxic lead paint dust generated during apartment renovations.  This lawsuit is another example of our commitment to ensure that renovation firms are held responsible for violating these important safety rules.” 

EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said: “Legacy Builders/Developers Corp. is being held accountable for not complying with rules that are designed to protect residents as well as workers and are a key part of protecting public health.  The company’s activities put tenants, the public, and its employees at risk of exposure to lead dust hazards. Exposure to lead-based paint can have serious health impacts and remains a common source of lead poisoning in children. EPA will continue to be vigilant and ensure we reduce all risk of lead exposure.”

TSCA and the RRP Rule impose safety requirements to minimize the risk that young children, tenants, and renovation workers are exposed to toxic lead paint dust during renovations of residential buildings.  Exposure to lead dust is the most common cause of lead poisoning, which can lead to severe, irreversible health problems, particularly in children.  Lead poisoning can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

As alleged in the U.S. Complaint filed in the district court:

LEGACY performed renovation work at hundreds of residential apartments across five building sites in Manhattan between 2016 and 2020.  In September 2017, EPA inspected a LEGACY worksite and found that LEGACY had failed to contain lead dust.  This was consistent with inspections in April and August 2017 of the same LEGACY worksite by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where inspectors observed dust and debris in hallways, common areas, and the vacant apartments being renovated, and collected dust wipe samples containing lead in excess of federal standards.  Following further investigation, EPA determined that LEGACY lacked required RRP Rule certifications and, at multiple worksites, failed to train its workers on lead-safe work practices, failed to follow lead-safe work practices, failed to inform building owners and occupants of the risks of lead poisoning during that renovation, and failed to maintain records necessary to demonstrate compliance with lead-safe work practice rules.  When LEGACY was informed of these issues, it provided the EPA with inaccurate information about its RRP Rule compliance.

In the Consent Decree, LEGACY admits, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility for the following conduct:

• Between 2016 and 2020, LEGACY performed renovation work at more than one hundred residential apartments at five different building sites in Manhattan.  LEGACY failed to comply with requirements of the RRP Rule on numerous occasions at these renovation projects.  Among other things:
  • LEGACY failed to provide on-the-job lead safety training to workers, in violation of the RRP rule.
  • LEGACY failed to adequately contain construction dust, including dust containing lead in excess of levels permitted under the RRP Rule, and failed to conduct the required post-renovation cleaning verification, in violation of the RRP rule.
  • LEGACY failed to post signs clearly defining its work area and warning occupants and other persons not involved in renovation activities to remain outside of the work area, in violation of the RRP Rule.
  • LEGACY failed to provide a lead-hazard information pamphlet to the owner or occupants of the building before commencing work, in violation of the RRP Rule.
  • LEGACY failed to maintain documentation showing that it complied with lead-safe work practices, in violation of the RRP Rule.
• Additionally, between June 2016 and August 2017, LEGACY performed renovation work covered by the RRP Rule at two of these worksites without possessing the firm certification required by the RRP Rule for renovation firms performing such work and without assigning a certified renovator to oversee those projects.

Pursuant to the Consent Decree, LEGACY will pay a penalty of $168,000, an amount based on the company’s documented inability to pay the full civil penalty for which it otherwise would be liable.  The Consent Decree requires LEGACY to comply with safe work practices and other RRP Rule requirements in the future.  Additionally, to mitigate the effects of the violations, among other things, LEGACY will conduct education sessions for residents of the five buildings on the hazards of lead-based paint and methods of minimizing potential exposures, and LEGACY will offer to conduct training for maintenance staff at these buildings on lead-hazard reduction and common issues pertaining to the use of lead-safe work practices in day-to-day operations.   Failure to comply with the Consent Decree will give rise to significant additional penalties.

To provide public notice and afford members of the public the opportunity to comment on the Consent Decree, the Consent Decree will be lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days before it is submitted for the Court’s approval.

Mr. Williams thanked the attorneys and enforcement staff at EPA Region 2 for their critical work on this matter.

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Civilian Death in Ontario County

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of a minor, C.W., who died on November 15, 2023 after an encounter with a member of the New York State Police (NYSP) in Ontario County. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage, statements from involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s actions were justified under New York law. 

On the evening of November 15, a NYSP trooper went to a residence on State Route 64 in East Bloomfield to perform a welfare check following an anonymous report. When the trooper arrived at the residence, C.W.’s grandmother answered the door. When the trooper told her why he was there, she called for C.W. C.W. stepped outside with his hand in his pocket. When the trooper asked C.W. to take his hand out of his pocket, C.W. revealed a knife and advanced toward the trooper. In the ensuing struggle, the trooper and C.W. fell to the ground. C.W. got up and charged at the trooper with the knife, and the trooper fired his service weapon in response. C.W. was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a knife at the scene. 

Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, C.W. charged at the officer with a knife. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s use of force to stop C.W. was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges should not be pursued in this matter.

Governor Hochul Announces $265 Million Investment to Make Water Infrastructure Projects Affordable Across New York State

Includes $30 Million in Grants from the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Inventory Lead Service Lines in Drinking Water Systems in 30 Communities

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

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Board of Directors approved $265 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across the state. The Board's approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects. Of the project funding approved today, $30 million in grants from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will help 30 communities across the state to inventory lead service lines in drinking water systems, a vital first step for starting replacement projects and protecting public health.

“Improving our water infrastructure is essential for building safe and healthy New York communities,” Governor Hochul said. “This financial assistance makes all the difference in being able to provide safe drinking water to New Yorkers, protect our natural resources, and ensure the projects are successful and affordable.”

The Board approved grants and financings to local governments from BIL, the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), and grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program. Leveraging BIL funding with the State’s investments will continue to empower local communities to make critical system improvements to safeguard public health, protect the environment, bolster communities’ climate readiness, and promote economic development. BIL funding for water and sewer infrastructure is administered by EFC through the State Revolving Funds.

Clean Water Projects:

• Town of Bath - $2,580,413 grant and $1,124,789 interest-free financing from BIL; a $1,249,790 WIIA grant from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act; and $3,798,175 market-rate financing from the CWSRF for the planning, design, and construction of the Lake Salubria collection sewer extension in the town.
• Town of Bellmont - $376,750 interest-free financing from the CWSRF and a $92,250 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of equipment at the Brainardsville Sewer District Wastewater Treatment Facility.
• Village of Brownville - $1,724,500 interest-free financing from the CWSRF and a $275,500 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of effluent disinfection and other improvements at the village's wastewater treatment plant.
• Buffalo Sewer Authority - $3,333,000 grant and $3,147,000 interest-free financing from BIL for the planning, design, and construction of sewer system real time control sites.
• Village of Catskill - $7,569,500 grant and $3,853,187 interest-free financing from BIL, and a $3,716,313 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of collection system and wastewater treatment plant upgrades to eliminate combined sewer overflows in the village.
• Town of De Kalb - $1,305,500 grant from BIL; $1,250,000 grant, $1,144,500 interest-free and $1,000,000 market-rate financing from the CWSRF; and a $1,250,000 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant and collection system improvements.
• Village of Herkimer - $3,275,200 grant and $2,676,200 interest-free financing from BIL; a $4,997,750 WIIA grant; and a $4,997,750 CWSRF grant for the planning, design, and construction of collection system and wastewater treatment plant upgrades. This project will also be funded with a $4,033,100 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant.
• Town of Martinsburg - $1,366,200 interest-free and $378,400 market-rate financing from the CWSRF; a $148,814 WIIA grant; and a $106,586 WIIA grant from the Bond Act for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant and collection system improvements.
• Town of Moriah - $4,286,498 interest-free and $2,500,000 market-rate financing from the CWSRF, and a $3,577,469 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of collection system upgrades.
• Town of Newfane - $3,401,325 interest-free and $3,401,325 market-rate financing from the CWSRF, and a $1,849,350 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant process upgrades.
• Rensselaer County - $2,240,680 interest-free and $2,240,679 market-rate financing from the CWSRF, and a $307,250 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant improvements.
• Saratoga County - $15,195,476 interest-free and $15,195,476 market-rate financing from the CWSRF, and a $5,087,500 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant ammonia removal upgrades.
• Village of Sodus - $287,953 interest-free and $591,330 market-rate financing from the CWSRF, and a $67,717 WIIA grant from the Bond Act for the planning, design, and construction of disinfection improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.
• City of Syracuse - $3,240,500 grant and $3,240,500 interest-free financing from BIL for the planning, design, and construction of sanitary sewer improvements to reduce inflow and infiltration to the sanitary sewer system.
• Town of Thompson - $6,939,000 grant and $5,337,679 interest-free financing from BIL; $416,800 market-rate financing from the CWSRF; and a $3,363,899 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of upgrades to the Emerald Green Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Town of Webb - $706,023 interest-free and $1,706,023 market-rate financing from the CWSRF, and a $470,683 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
• Westchester County - $8,120,525 interest-free and $8,120,524 market-rate financing from the CWSRF for the planning, design, and construction of the Peekskill Wastewater Treatment Plant digester, aeration, and heating system.

Drinking Water Projects:

• Town of Alexander - $136,000 WIIA grant for the creation of Water District No. 6, including installation of approximately 94,400 linear feet of water mains, hydrants, valves, and appurtenances.
• Village of Delanson - $236,129 interest-free and $472,258 market-rate financing from the DWSRF, and a $1,060,455 WIIA grant for the installation of new Granular Activated Carbon filters at the water treatment plant for the removal of disinfection byproducts precursors.
• Dix Hills Water District - $3,000,000 WIIA grant for the installation of an Advanced Oxidation Process treatment system for 1,4-dioxane removal and the replacement of Granular Activated Carbon media in the existing vessels.
• City of Glen Cove - $3,000,000 WIIA grant for the design and construction of a new treatment process at the existing water treatment facility at the Duck Pond Road site to remove dichlorofluoromethane (Freon-22) from Wells 30 and 31.
• Village of Hamilton - $2,244,000 WIIA grant for the construction of a new drinking water well source and well house.
• Town of Louisville - $1,409,471 market-rate financing from the DWSRF and a $1,213,215 WIIA grant for the replacement of all five existing aged filters with a new ultrafiltration treatment system, including associated controls and SCADA upgrades at the water treatment plant.
• Village of Marathon - $465,000 WIIA grant for the installation of two water main crossings of the Tioughnioga River and associated appurtenances.
• City of Oneonta - $2,000,000 grant and $3,072,625 interest-free financing from BIL, and a $3,000,000 WIIA grant for upgrades to the water treatment plant and storage and distribution system.
• Town of Scio - $255,000 grant and $765,000 interest-free financing from BIL; $100,000 interest-free and $200,000 market-rate financing from the DWSRF, and a $1,530,000 WIIA grant for the installation of a new water storage tank to replace the existing tank on Davis Hill Road, and replacement of approximately 5,000 linear feet of aged water main, including appurtenant hydrants and valves.
• Village of South Blooming Grove - $1,759,115 interest-free and $3,518,228 market-rate financing from the DWSRF, and a $4,702,657 WIIA grant for the construction of a new pump station at the Mangin Road storage, treatment, and pumping site, construction of a 400,000-gallon elevated steel water storage tank to replace the existing Fort Worth storage tanks, construction of two wells and associated appurtenances, and replacement of approximately one mile of existing water main and appurtenances.
• Town of Vestal - $991,610 WIIA grant for the installation of approximately 3,900 linear feet of new water main, including associated hydrants, valves, and restoration on Old Vestal and Bunn Hill Roads.
• Westbury Water District - $8,976,000 WIIA grant for the design and construction of a new treatment process at the existing water treatment facility to remove nitrate, volatile organic compounds, 1,4-dioxane and perfluorooctanoic acid from Well Nos. 10 and 14.
• Village of Woodridge - $5,000,000 grant and $3,800,000 interest-free financing from BIL for the replacement of water main, construction of a new water storage tank, replacement of the existing slow sand filters with an ultrafiltration system, rehabilitation of the existing sludge settling lagoon, and a new SCADA system.
• City of Yonkers - $2,593,128 WIIA grant for the replacement of approximately 300 linear feet of the Wendover Transmission Main where it crosses below the Saw Mill River Parkway.

The Board also approved approximately $30 million for lead service line inventory projects for the following municipalities:

• City of Albany
• Town of Amenia
• City of Auburn
• Village of Bath
• Village of Catskill
• Village of Delhi
• Village of Herkimer
• City of Hudson
• Village of Ilion
• Village of Liberty
• City of Little Falls
• City of Lockport
• Village of Malone
• Village of New Paltz
• City of Newburgh
• City of Niagara Falls
• City of Ogdensburg
• City of Oneonta
• Village of Penn Yan
• City of Port Jervis
• Village of Potsdam
• City of Poughkeepsie
• City of Schenectady
• City of Syracuse
• City of Troy
• Upper Mohawk Valley Water Authority
• Village of Walton
• Village of Warwick
• City of Watervliet
• Village of Westfield

Refinancing Completed Projects Will Achieve Long-Term Debt Service Savings

The Board also took action to help ensure continued, long-term affordability of existing projects. The Board approved long-term, interest-free financing totaling over $20 million for projects undertaken by the Town of Rockland, the Village of Tupper Lake, and the Water Authority of Great Neck North.

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. Based on current market conditions, these long-term financings are projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $26.6 million in interest payments over the life of the financings.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY24 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $5.5 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year.

Governor Hochul’s State of the State initiatives are helping to ensure ongoing coordination with local governments and ensure communities can leverage these investments. The Governor increased WIIA grants for wastewater projects from 25 to 50 percent of net eligible project costs for small, disadvantaged communities. The Governor also expanded EFC’s Community Assistance Teams to help small, rural and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding and address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with its water infrastructure is encouraged to contact EFC.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Hosts Sept.Event

 

The P P N A hosts The Bronx Commissioner of the D E P Effie Ardizzone for its Sept 10th event starting at 7:00 pm. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protects public health, critical quality of life issues, and the environment by supplying clean drinking water, collecting and treating wastewater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution.