For Immediate Release: August 31, 2009
Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet Contact: David Neustadt | dneustadt@ins.state.ny.us | 212.681.4640
NYS DOH Contact: Diane Mathis | dmm10@health.state.ny.us | 518.474.7354, ext 1

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $15 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR DRINKING WATER PROJECTS IN WESTERN NEW YORK
Governor David A. Paterson today announced $15.4 million for drinking water projects in Western New York through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Projects in Erie, Allegany and Steuben counties will improve drinking water systems, create jobs and better protect public health. The Governor announced a total of $87 million for 14 such projects across the State.

“Safe, potable water is necessary for our lives and livelihood and these economic recovery funds will support major capital improvements to our drinking water systems,” Governor Paterson said. “In addition to improving the quality of our water, these funds will also create new jobs and promote economic development. I thank President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for setting aside stimulus funds for these critical projects.”

The funding will support capital improvements to drinking water systems, including the construction of new wells, pumps and pump stations, water storage tanks, and disinfection systems; the replacement of aged water distribution mains; and the expansion of public water to areas currently served by poor quality private wells.

The projects in Western New York include:

• Chaffee Water Works Company, Inc. in Erie County will receive $800,000 to support the planning, design and construction of the project, which will address drinking water quality issues and includes improvements to the existing well source, the addition of a new backup source, replacement of an existing storage tank, upgrades to the hydro-pneumatic system, automated treatment controls, tank level alarms, and the replacement of the aged inadequate distribution system.

• The Town of Caneadea in Allegany County will receive $8.3 million to support the planning, design and construction of a project to address various drinking water quality issues. Treatment will be constructed for the existing source. A new well source will also be provided to conform to current standards for supply capacity. The project also includes a new transmission main, replacement of aged water mains and the provision of public water to areas presently served by poor quality private wells.

• The Town of Erwin in Steuben County will receive $6.3 million to support the planning, design and construction of a drinking water supply interconnection with the Town of Erwin Morningside Heights Water District as a primary source of water. Funding will support the installation of a new storage tank, distribution system, a secondary/emergency interconnection to the existing Village of Painted Post water system, and the provision of public water to areas presently served by private wells of insufficient quality and/or quantity.

The projects will be supplemented with additional funding through the New York Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. To ensure that the projects proceed quickly, the State Department of Health and the Environmental Facilities Corporation, which co-administer the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, have identified the projects contracted to begin work by February 17, 2010.
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The following statements were provided in support of the drinking water projects:

Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “The economic recovery package is putting people to work updating our aging water infrastructure in counties across New York State. The investment will provide safe, quality drinking water for countless residents, boost the local economy and save or create jobs in the process.”

Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “This is a great investment for New York. These federal funds will create new jobs, rebuild critical infrastructure, help us clean up the environment and deliver clean drinking water to New York families. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and the entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. said: “New York’s drinking water systems are second to none when it comes to excellent water quality and quantity, but there is a continued need to reinvest in the critical drinking water infrastructure needed to supply drinking water to our 20 million residents.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “New York has made major progress in improving water quality since the passage of the Clean Water Act. The last thing we want to do is turn back the clock. Thanks to Governor Paterson and our Congressional delegation, New York has secured a record amount for stimulus-funded clean water projects that will help communities around the State struggling to repair old infrastructure systems, boost local economies, and protect water quality for this and future generations.”

Environmental Protection Agency Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou said: “This funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will not only ensure clean water, which is vital to the health of every city and town across New York State, but also create jobs, provide a boost to local economies and protect public health.”

Acting President of the State Environmental Facilities Corporation Matthew Millea said: “Our partners at the Department of Health have done an exemplary job in working to identify these communities and ensure that they benefit from the federal stimulus program. We look forward to doing our part to help make these important public health projects a reality.”

Senator Antoine Thompson said: “Investments that protect our water and create jobs are critical to New York's future. I applaud Governor Paterson for providing strong environmental leadership.”
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New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@chamber.state.ny.us | 212.681.4640 | 518.474.8418