Schumer: Upstate NY Water and Sewer Systems Need $7.2 Billion in Repairs in Coming Years - Senator Calls for Strong Federal Infrastructure Bill so NY can Make Necessary Repairs Without Putting Strain on Property Taxes

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on the House and Senate to work together and produce a strong infrastructure bill in the near term that will provide essential funding to repair Upstate New York's aging sewer and water systems. New York's county and local governments have received hundreds of millions in the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan funds to make upgrades and repairs to sewer systems, but over the next two decades, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Upstate counties must make an additional $7.2 billion in repairs. If sufficient funding for these key programs is not held at current levels, sewer and water systems throughout the state could fall into further disrepair, creating another pressure on local property taxes. Amidst efforts to slash key infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and mass transit repairs, Schumer today announced his push to secure continued federal funding to repair New York's aging sewer systems, among the oldest in the country, and create good-paying jobs in the process.

"New York has some of the oldest sewer and water systems in the country, and they desperately must be repaired and upgraded," said Schumer. "But that need represents an opportunity -- the chance to put thousands of New Yorkers back to work over the next several years, helping rebuild infrastructure that is absolutely essential for our urban, suburban and rural communities alike. To attract successful businesses and encourage people to move into New York, we need top-notch essentials like sewer and water systems. Failing to make repairs could send rates skyrocketing, and could put a cramp on property taxpayers' wallets at a time when we can least afford it. I'm going to fight hard to make sure New York gets its fair share of infrastructure dollars so we can make these much needed repairs."

For years, Upstate New York State communities have been grappling with aging water and sewer infrastructure that threaten the environment and public health of residents. According to the EPA, Upstate New York's local governments must make about $7.2 billion in upgrades and repairs to existing systems over the next twenty years. If the federal government does not step up to provide loans and funding these water and sewer systems could fall further into disrepair, ultimately raising the price tag for repairs and putting public health at risk. Studies indicate that for every $1 billion invested in infrastructure projects, anywhere from 35,000 to nearly 50,000 jobs are created. Beyond job creation, investment in water and sewer infrastructure meets public health and safety needs and helps communities attract new businesses and residents.

The adverse economic effects of the state's old sewer systems are serious. Small suburban and rural areas tend to have a smaller tax base and population, making the high cost of replacing sewers and constructing buffers a major strain on local budgets. Furthermore, counties across the state suffering from untreated sewer spillage have been slapped with proposed consent orders that, in effect, block any new economic and infrastructure development until the county pays to upgrade the wastewater system. Schumer today warned that economic development across the state could be stymied as municipalities are unable to approve building permits for commercial projects due to sewer problems.

The environmental and public health hazards posed by the aging sewer systems are just as troubling. Groundwater degradation has resulted due to contaminants leaking into the soil and waterways from failing treatment plants, pipes and septic tanks. Pathogens and viruses are released into waterways, affecting local wildlife and fisheries and threatening drinking water.

According to EPA data compiled by Gannett, Upstate New York communities need to make an estimated $7.2 billion in water and sewer system repairs over the next twenty years. Here is how the projects and costs break down across the state:

· In the Capital Region, there are 97 anticipated repair projects that will cost an estimated $1.157 billion

· In Western New York, there are 72 anticipated repair projects that will cost an estimated $1.122 billion

· In the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, there are 88 anticipated repair projects that will cost an estimated $419 million

· In the Southern Tier, there are 86 anticipated repair projects that will cost an estimated $516 million

· In Central New York, there are 76 anticipated repair projects that will cost an estimated $1.216 billion

· In the Hudson Valley, there are 126 anticipated repair projects that will cost an estimated $2.068 billion

· In the North Country, there are 89 anticipated repair projects that will cost an estimated $748 million

Today, Schumer announced that he would be seeking to ensure continued funding levels for two key federal programs that make these upgrades more affordable for local communities, relieving some of the burden on ratepayers and local taxpayers. Through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, each state maintains revolving loan funds to provide independent and permanent sources of low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, such as sewer repair and reconstruction. States have the flexibility to target resources to their particular environmental needs, including contaminated runoff from urban and agricultural areas, wetlands restoration, groundwater protection, brownfields remediation, estuary management, and wastewater treatment. Under this program, New York has benefitted from $2.569 billion in financing.

Amidst House efforts to slash key infrastructure spending in other areas, Schumer is urging the House and Senate to continue last year's funding levels when it considers the Interior Appropriations bill this year. The President is set to release the Administration's budget next week, and Schumer is encouraging the Administration to maintain previous funding levels so that New York governments and local governments across the country can put people back to work while improving infrastructure that is essential for economic growth.

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