SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, BRINDISI ANNOUNCE OVER $4.6 MILLION TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM SUPERVISION PROGRAM IN THE 22ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Reps Secure Funding For Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Oneida Counties, & Parts Of Broome, Herkimer, Oswego, And Tioga Counties
Funding Will Ensure Counties Can Enforce The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations And Meet Requirements Of The Safe Drinking Water Act
Reps: Funding Will Help Safe Drinking Water Flow In Southern Tier, Central New York, And Mohawk Valley
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Anthony Brindisi today announced $4,643,000 in federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to help the 22nd Congressional District develop and implement a public water system supervision program that will enforce the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and meet requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The 22nd Congressional District includes all of Chenango, Cortland, Madison, and Oneida counties, and parts of Broome, Herkimer, Oswego, and Tioga counties.
“Every New Yorker deserves safe drinking water,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will allow counties in the Southern Tier, Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley to make critical improvements to their drinking water systems, so all residents, schools and businesses have access to the safe and clean water they deserve. I am proud to announce this federal investment and will continue fighting to ensure communities across Upstate New York have the resources they need to protect and maintain their health.”
“New Yorkers need clean drinking water every time they turn on the tap,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will provide important funding to New York State to help ensure that our public water systems meet federal safe drinking water standards. I will always fight for the federal resources needed to protect our drinking water.”
“Access to clean, safe drinking water is a basic American right and an integral part of building a healthy community. These dollars will help make lasting investments in our district’s public water system, ensure Upstate water infrastructure meets federal safety standards, and help us maintain these improvements for years to come. I am proud to work with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to prioritize public health and help keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Brindisi.
The representatives said the Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) grant program helps eligible states, territories, and tribes develop and implement a PWSS program to ensure that water systems comply with the national primary drinking water regulations. Some of the key activities that may be carried out under a PWSS program include developing and maintaining state drinking water regulations, developing and maintaining an inventory of public water systems throughout the state, conducting sanitary surveys of public water systems, and reviewing public water system plans and specifications among several other activities. A portion of this year's funds are also allocated to support eligible activities related to addressing PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern.
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