Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2007

Schumer, Clinton: Authorization Of $15.5 Million For Drinking Water Projects Across New York

Senate Approves Final Conference Report for Water Resources Development Act—Bill Will Now be Sent to President for Signature

Washington, DC — Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that authorization of $10 million for projects to upgrade drinking water systems in several communities across New York State was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA), which recently passed the Senate after the House-Senate Conference, and will now be sent to the President.

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 final WRDA bill includes provisions from both the Senate and House bills, and authorizes the following drinking water projects:

From the Senate bill:

$5 million for Town of Fleming in Cayuga County

$5 million for Yates County

From the House bill:

$2 million for Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County

$1.5 million for the Town of Sennett, Cayuga County

$2 million for Wellsville, Allegany County

"This is great news for Allegany, Cayuga, Cattaraugus and Yates Counties," said Senator Schumer. "Having and updated and extensive water system is not only important to the health of local residents but it is also critical to the livelihood of the community. This funding will help the community meet that need, improving the quality of life for everyone in the area."

"The Senate approval of this bill is welcome news for Allegany, Cayuga, Cattaraugus and Yates Counties. This funding will help to pay for much-needed upgrades to drinking water systems and will take some of the financial burden off the local communities. It is important that the federal government can partner in this way with local governments, not only with the expertise but with the financial assistance to make sure that everyone has safe water to drink," said Senator Clinton.

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