Schumer, Clinton: Senate Overides Presidential Veto Of WRDA, Authorizes $25 Million For Clean Water Projects Across New York State

Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Senate has voted to override the President's veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), joining the House to authorize $25 million for projects to upgrade sewer and other wastewater facilities in five communities across New York State.

The Water Resources Development Act authorizes Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including navigation, ecosystem restoration and shoreline protection projects. Under the authorizations, the Corps partners with local sponsors to conduct the project. A project authorization in WRDA is a necessary first step towards securing funding in an appropriations bill at a later date.

The WRDA bill authorizes the following wastewater projects:
$5 million for The Village of Patchogue in Suffolk County
$5 million for the City of Elmira in Chemung County
$5 million for the Town of Essex Hamlet in Essex County
$5 million for the Niagara Falls Water Board in Niagara County
$5 million for the Town of Babylon in Suffolk County

"The vote today sends the president a clear message from Congress that critical projects like these cannot and will not be sacrificed," said Senator Schumer. "Overriding this veto is a huge boost for New York. Water systems are vital to the livelihood of our communities and the health of local residents. Clean drinking water and an efficient sewage system are basic needs and this funding will help our communities meet those needs, improving the quality of life for everyone in New York."

"Overwhelming bipartisan support for this bill has authorized crucial funding for communities throughout New York. I applaud my colleagues in the Congress for voting to override the President's veto, and I'm pleased that the federal government is partnering with these local communities to improve New York's water systems," said Senator Clinton.