FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2004

SCHUMER, CLINTON SECURE $1.4 MILLION FOR LAKE PLACID SEWER & WATER TREATMENT FACILITY

Newly passed omnibus appropriations report includes $1 million for construction of a community wastewater treatment system for Lake Placid

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that they have secured $1 million for construction of a community wastewater treatment system for the Olympic Village of Lake Placid. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill conference report passed today by the Senate.

"Lake Placid is one of New York's treasures and we need to make sure that it can continue to be the site of the world's biggest events. To do that, water quality has to be top notch, and wastewater plants have to be safe. This money will go a long way towards keeping Lake Placid at the forefront of international host cities," Schumer said.

"The Olympic Village in Lake Placid is one of the tourism jewels in the North Country's crown. Investments in the infrastructure at the Olympic Village will not only improve the quality of life for residents and athletes but will enable the village to attract new tourists and investment to the area. I am very pleased that we were able to acquire funding for this worthwhile project. I was proud to work side by side with Senator Schumer and the rest of the New York Delegation on this. I am disappointed that the bill contained other provisions that I feel were harmful to the people of New York, but I am happy that we can move ahead on this," Clinton said.

The Senators said that the funds would be used for construction of community wastewater treatment system for the Olympic Village of Lake Placid that will ensure Lake Placid's ability to host continued national and international events while preserving the water quality of the AuSable River and surrounding environment.

Lake Placid provides water and wastewater services for its 2,638 village residents and another 1,200 town residents along with numerous commercial, educational and public facilities. The Lake Placid wastewater treatment plant is quickly becoming an environmental hazard. In fact, during the summer of 2002 there were several overflow situations which caused solids to flow into the AuSable River.

The funding was included in the Omnibus conference report passed by the House and Senate. The report now awaits the President's signature.

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