New York Governor Paterson Announces $4 Million In Economic Recovery Funding For Long Island Wastewater Project

Project to Create or Retain More Than 180 Jobs and Protect the Long Island Sound

May 8, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson, Congressman Tim Bishop, and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) today announced the award of economic recovery funds for a wastewater project on Long Island, part of the first round of economic recovery funds for wastewater projects.

Article continues below...

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has designated $4 million for the Village of Greenport to install state-of-the-art modifications in a local water treatment facility, creating or retaining an estimated 186 jobs and reducing the introduction of pollution into the Long Island Sound. The New York Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) will disburse the $4 million grant.

“The Greenport project achieves the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s twin goals of creating new job opportunities and making needed improvements to our infrastructure,” Governor Paterson said. “I thank President Obama and the entire New York State Congressional Delegation, for sharing our commitment to getting New Yorkers back to work, providing for a safer State, and protecting our natural environment.”

The Greenport wastewater project makes advancements to traditional wastewater treatment facility technologies by implementing innovative processes. The installation of a biological nitrogen removal unit (BNR) and an ultra-violet (UV) disinfection system will reduce the costs of maintenance and prolong the equipments’ operating life. The BNR unit also provide sustainable, cost-effective water treatment.

The Village will solicit bids this June with project construction expected to begin in July and completed in June 2010, at which point the Village is expected to convert its interest-free short-term CWSRF loan into a 30-year interest-free loan. The loan will provide the Village with 80 percent principal forgiveness and 20 percent interest-free financing. Over a 30-year financing term, the Village will save an estimated $3.9 million.

Congressman Timothy Bishop said: “I am pleased that the Obama administration has placed a high priority on rebuilding our infrastructure, including clean water and wastewater treatment projects. In Congress, I have been working to increase funding for sewage and wastewater management because these are major concerns for residents throughout Suffolk County. Therefore this injection of federal recovery funding in the Village of Greenport is valuable and timely.”

EFC Acting President Matthew Millea said: “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds via the Clean Water State Revolving Fund will enable the Village of Greenport to begin the long-awaited process of reversing the effects of nitrogen pollution in the Long Island Sound. Thanks to Governor Paterson’s support of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program and the economic recovery funds, this project will play a significant role in job creation and revitalizing the economy and waters of New York.”

Village of Greenport Mayor David Nyce said: “The Village of Greenport is honored to accept this grant. We are grateful to the EFC for recognizing the Village and helping us through this process. This grant will take a seemingly impossible task for a small, working class village and make it possible; and for that we give infinite thanks to all involved.”

In addition to the funding designated by the ARRA, the Greenport project has also received grants from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, including a $1.1 million Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act grant and a $400,000 Long Island Sound Restoration Program grant. The project was awarded a $400,000 State Community Development Grant and a $200,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The CWSRF will receive $432 million in economic recovery funding, 20 percent of which will be reserved for innovative green technologies and infrastructure projects. On April 3, 2009, Governor Paterson announced the first round of CWSRF projects that would receive ARRA funding, which included the Village of Greenport. The Environmental Facilities Corporation administers the CWSRF on behalf of the DEC. Since its inception in 1990, CWSRF has provided over $13.6 billion in low-interest financing to communities throughout the State for wastewater projects that protect and enhance water quality. For more information about ARRA and CWSRF, please visit www.nysefc.org/recovery.

The following quotes were provided in support of the Greenport Wastewater project:

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said: “Investing in environmentally friendly projects like the Greenport Wastewater Project is smart and responsible. It willcreate jobs even while it saves consumers money, reduces pollution, and stimulates the Long Island economy. While Americans are struggling to make ends meet and water prices and pollution continue to soar, funding wastewater treatment projects makes sense for Long Island and the entire nation.”

U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand said: “During these tough economic times, it is critical that we invest in Long Island’s wastewater treatment projects. These federal dollars will not only help create jobs right here in Suffolk County, but will also help protect the Long Island Sound. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York receives its fair share of federal dollars.”

New York State Department of Conservation Commissioner Grannis said: “This stimulus project provides Greenport with much needed capital to upgrade a wastewater treatment plant that will help combat the 'dead zones' and other impacted ecosystems in the Long Island Sound by reducing the amount of nitrogen discharged to local waters. DEC is proud to partner with the Village, Congressman Bishop, EFC and many others to bring new jobs, enhanced infrastructure and improved water quality to the North Fork.”

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle said: “I am pleased that the Village of Greenport will receive stimulus funding to move forward with the rebuilding of its water treatment facility. This will help the Village with its efforts to protect our valuable waterways and ensure that the facility complies with EPA requirements. In addition, this project will create jobs for our region and have a positive impact on our local economy.”

Assemblyman Marc S. Alessi said: “I have been working to ensure that funds from the stimulus package go to the infrastructure needed to protect our environment and our beloved Long Island Sound, and I am excited to see that Greenport is receiving this money for improvements that will create jobs, stimulate our economy, and help to reduce pollutants entering our waterways.”

Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment Adrienne Esposito said: “This is great news. This funding will allow for critical upgrades to eliminate harmful chlorine discharge and reduce nitrogen discharge into the Long Island Sound. Funding for upgrading our aging infrastructure will provide for the type of meaningful change the public is seeking and supports. Using stimulus dollars to clean up Long Island Sound will leave a legacy the public can embrace.”

Executive Director of Audubon New York Albert E. Caccese said: “A healthy Long Island Sound is key to the future recovery of our regional economy, and this major investment is critical for the long term restoration of this national treasure. Audubon New York applauds President Obama, Congressman Bishop and the State for keeping New Yorkers working by targeting these important recovery Act dollars in a community where they are desperately needed.”

Source: New York Governor