Senators Welcome $420M for NY’s Drinking Water – Finger Lakes Daily News
Senators Welcome $420M for NY's Drinking Water – Finger Lakes Daily News Finger Lakes Daily News
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U.S. EPA Provides $420 Million for New York’s Water Infrastructure
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated a historic investment of $420 million to New York State’s Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRF). This funding, championed by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. The senators commend the EPA for this significant contribution, which will greatly benefit New York’s water infrastructure and environment. The funds will be utilized for various clean water initiatives, including lead pipe removal and addressing emerging contaminants.
Senator Schumer’s Statement
“Access to clean water and modern water systems are fundamental, and thanks to my Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law, we’re sending a whopping $420 million flowing to upgrade New York’s water infrastructure. This major federal investment will ensure families across New York are provided safe drinking water, free of contaminants, and that our beautiful waterways remain free from sewer overflow,” said Senator Schumer. “These dollars will help give New York State and municipalities the support they need to replace dangerous lead pipes and modernize critical water systems, all while creating a steady stream of jobs, jobs, jobs. I am proud to deliver this major funding and will continue the fight to turn the tide on our state’s aging water infrastructure, create jobs for New Yorkers, and keep our communities safe and healthy.”
Senator Gillibrand’s Statement
“New Yorkers deserve water systems they can depend on and safe drinking water they can trust,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This $420 million in funding is monumental for New York’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund and will help improve the quality of vital water infrastructure by bringing long-needed improvements to modernize water systems throughout the state. I am proud to have helped secure the funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that enables this much-needed investment and will continue fighting for the resources needed to enhance public health and provide New Yorkers with access to safe and reliable water.”
Significance of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act
Schumer and Gillibrand highlight that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act represents the largest-ever investment in U.S. water infrastructure. The bill includes over $50 billion for the EPA’s highly successful water infrastructure programs. Specifically, New York will receive over $420 million for its Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRF). These funds provide below-market rate loans and grants to support water infrastructure improvements in municipalities across the state. Schumer successfully advocated for a lower state cost share for the initial years of this funding and for 49% of the money to be administered as grants and forgivable loans, ensuring maximum benefit for New Yorkers.
Biden Administration’s Investment in Water Infrastructure
The funding allocated to New York is part of the Biden administration’s $5.8 billion investment for water infrastructure projects nationwide. This substantial investment will finance state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges. Of the total amount, $2.6 billion will go to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, while $3.2 billion will be allocated to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for drinking water infrastructure.
Previous Funding and Future Plans
In 2021, New York received over $428 million from the EPA for Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) to modernize and clean the state’s water systems. This funding included support for lead service line replacement and grants to address emerging contaminants. Between 2022-2023, New York State was awarded a total of $814,456,000 for the clean water and drinking water SRFs. With the latest funding announcement, the total water infrastructure funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for New York State exceed $1.2 billion. The funding will be administered through the State Revolving Funds over a five-year period until 2026.
Conclusion
The investment of $420 million in New York’s water infrastructure is a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. It demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. government to ensure access to safe and reliable water for all. The funding will not only improve water systems but also create job opportunities and contribute to the overall health and well-being of communities in New York State.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | – The $420 million investment in New York State’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) aims to improve the quality of vital water infrastructure and provide safe and reliable water for New Yorkers. – Funding for lead pipe removal and cleaning up emerging contaminants contributes to achieving safe and affordable drinking water. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally | – The funding for New York’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) will support wastewater and stormwater infrastructure improvements, contributing to reducing pollution and improving water quality. – The investment in water infrastructure projects nationwide, including New York, aims to address key challenges in wastewater and stormwater management. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | – The investment in water infrastructure projects is expected to create a steady stream of jobs, contributing to full and productive employment. |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: The $420 million investment in New York State’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) aims to improve the quality of vital water infrastructure and provide safe and reliable water for New Yorkers, contributing to achieving universal access to safe and affordable drinking water (Target 6.1).
- Indicator: Funding for lead pipe removal and cleaning up emerging contaminants contributes to achieving safe and affordable drinking water (Target 6.1).
- Indicator: The funding for New York’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) will support wastewater and stormwater infrastructure improvements, contributing to reducing pollution and improving water quality (Target 6.3).
- Indicator: The investment in water infrastructure projects is expected to create a steady stream of jobs, contributing to full and productive employment (Target 8.5).
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | – The $420 million investment in New York State’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) aims to improve the quality of vital water infrastructure and provide safe and reliable water for New Yorkers. – Funding for lead pipe removal and cleaning up emerging contaminants contributes to achieving safe and affordable drinking water. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally | – The funding for New York’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) will support wastewater and stormwater infrastructure improvements, contributing to reducing pollution and improving water quality. – The investment in water infrastructure projects nationwide, including New York, aims to address key challenges in wastewater and stormwater management. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | – The investment in water infrastructure projects is expected to create a steady stream of jobs, contributing to full and productive employment. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: fingerlakesdailynews.com
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