Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2010

SCHUMER ANNOUNCES VILLAGE OF ALFRED WILL RECEIVE NEARLY $800,000 TO HELP IMPROVE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS

Wastewater Improvements, Funded By Economic Recovery Act, Will Protect Public Health; Create Jobs

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Village of Alfred in Allegany County will receive $797,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of its Water and Environmental Program (WEP). The funding will be available to the Village of Alfred for use in local wastewater system improvements.

“Because they are so essential for healthy communities and economic development, the need for water and sewer improvements are a concern that I hear from mayors and community leaders as I travel across New York,” Schumer said “These leaders want to improve their infrastructure but in many cases the cost is simply too great for a municipal budget. The federal government has stepped up to the plate to help communities like Alfred break ground on many of these backlogged projects, and we must continue to provide places like Alfred with these important funds. Making these investments now will create jobs, ensure long-term economic competitiveness, and provide clean drinking water to the residents of Alfred.”

The Village of Alfred will be able to use these funds to protect public health by improving water quality and public sanitation. By doing so, the community can expect a boost in construction jobs and infrastructure that can lead to community growth. These necessary investments will be made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment.

The Department of Agriculture’s Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) provides loans, grants and loan guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and cities of 10,000 or less. WEP also makes grants available to non-profit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to assist rural communities with their water, wastewater and solid waste problems. To date, the USDA has announced $2.2 billion in Recovery Act funds for water and environmental projects. The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama one year ago.

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