FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2004

SCHUMER, CLINTON SECURE $250,000 FOR OSWEGO’S EAST SIDE SYSTEM

Newly passed omnibus appropriations report includes $250,000 towards implementation of Phase II of the City’s East Side CSO Long Term Control Plan Program

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that they have secured $250,000 towards the implementation of the City’s East Side combined sewer overflow (CSO) Long Term Control Program. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill conference report passed today by the Senate.

"Oswego is a beautiful city dependent on its waterfront for its economic and cultural life," Schumer said. "We need to do everything we can to rehabilitate the infrastructure and revitalize this community, and continuing to repair the sewer system will go a long way."

"This investment in the City of Oswego’s infrastructure will not only improve the quality of life for residents and but has the potential to attract new businesses and economic development 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," Senator Clinton said.

Senators Clinton and Schumer made the request for funding on behalf of the City of Oswego. The $250,000 will go toward the implementation of Phase II of the City’s East Side CSO Long Term Control Plan Program.

The City of Oswego has been working for more than 10 years on the separation of the East Side Combined Sewer system and has invested millions of dollars of funds for infrastructure-related capital improvements. Senators Schumer and Clinton made the funding request because they understand that Oswego is a community that relies on its waterfront resources as a significant part of its economy and they support the City’s efforts to continue to protect, improve and otherwise enhance the environment.

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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