Rep. Bishop Helps Secure Major Clean Water Funds For New York

10/29/09 -- Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Tim Bishop voted in favor of legislation that will bring significant federal aid for clean water infrastructure in New York and protect the Long Island Sound. The House of Representatives passed the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations conference report, which emphasizes reducing pollution in our air and water, cleaning up dangerous toxic waste sites, encouraging energy efficiency, and promoting the development of renewable clean energy sources.

“This legislation invests in sewers which are vital to job growth in many Suffolk County communities,” Congressman Bishop said. “In addition, we are making an unprecedented investment in the Long Island Sound which will pay dividends for Long Island.”

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The bill provides $2.1 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to fund local sewer improvements and help communities meet the goals of the Clean Water Act. The state of New York will receive over $234 million—more than any other state in the country. The bill also directs $1.38 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to protect public health by improving drinking water systems and $157 million for direct grants to communities for water infrastructure.

These funds complement the $432 million for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $86 million for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund which New York received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is funding projects in Greenport, Patchogue and Shirley.

The legislation increases federal funding for the Long Island Sound to $7 million, up from just $2.2 million in 2006.

“Seven million dollars is a wise investment that promises a huge return for the restoration of habitat, marine life, and the return of the dolphins,” stated Maureen Dolan Murphy, Executive Programs Manager, Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

In addition, Bishop secured $250,000 in the bill for the Fire Island Land Trust for the rehabilitation of historic buildings in the Fire Island National Seashore. Funding will be used to restore and preserve two buildings located on National Park Service property between the communities of Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove.

To help Americans save money and make wise environmental decisions, the bill allocates $51 million for the EPA’s successful Energy Star Program – which already saves consumers $14 billion a year in energy costs. The bill also dedicates funds toward the development of renewable clean energy sources on federal lands and water.

Source: Congressman Tim Bishop