Pipes get State and Federal Attention

Fixing our pipes has been a siren song for Save the Sound for years. Outdated pipes throughout our region are clearly one of the major culprits in contamination of Long Island Sound.

New York State

For the past 3 years, we’ve been working with a broad coalition of non-profits like Riverkeeper, The Nature Conservancy, Environmental Advocates of NY, etc. to influence NY Governor Cuomo on the importance of water infrastructure and the need to invest in major repairs.

Those behind the scenes actions are paying off. On January 9, Governor Cuomo proposed a $2 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act for upgrading and modernizing wastewater treatment and protecting drinking water at its source.

“Investing in water infrastructure is critical to fostering growth in our communities and our state,” Governor Cuomo said.

This historic investment in drinking water infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure and source water protection actions will enhance community health and wellness, safeguard our most important water resources, and create jobs.

Details: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-presents-17th-proposal-2017-state-state-invest-2-billion-clean-water

Additional environmental proposals from Gov. Cuomo:

  • $300 million for Environmental Protection Fund
  • 2.4 gigawatts of offshore wind power
  • 30 percent emission reduction

National

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1 billion in credit assistance for water infrastructure projects under the new Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program.

“The launch of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program marks a huge step forward for modernizing our nation’s aging water infrastructure,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.

Funds will be used for:

  • drinking water treatment and distribution projects
  • wastewater conveyance and treatment projects
  • enhanced energy efficiency projects at drinking water and wastewater facilities
  • desalination, aquifer recharge, alternative water supply, and water recycling projects
  • drought prevention, reduction, or mitigation projects

EPA estimates that around the nation $660 billion in investments are needed for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure over the next 20 years.

Details: www.epa.gov/wifia

1 thought on “Pipes get State and Federal Attention

  1. the City of Stamford is in the midst of a major expenditure on storm drain culverts. replacing with pipes. From an environmental standpoint, is this the top priority IN Stamford? I went for a tour of the Sewage treatment plant a few years ago and was told their was massive spillage during Sandy, as the treatment facilities are partially below sea level!!!
    who would be the expert on this at STS? thanks

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