Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne said the state Assembly has passed legislation she cosponsored that would expedite funding availability for municipalities that have suffered flooding damage to their water infrastructure systems.
The legislation, sponsored by Majority Leader Joe Morelle, amends the 120-day waiting period in the newly-adopted Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017 and makes funding available to municipalities immediately.
"The Clean Water Infrastructure Act language included a provision that said funding would not be available for 120 days after the passage of the state budget. But current flooding conditions on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, projections of high water levels for at least another four to six weeks and the knowledge that late spring and early summer storms with high winds could pose additional problems along the shoreline make it critical to have that funding available now so issues can be addressed immediately," she said.
The Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017 was part of the 2017-18 state budget and includes a provision to provide funding to address water infrastructure emergencies that pose an imminent hazard to public health, public welfare and the environment.
Assemblywoman Jenne said there is concern flooding in some communities on the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River could result in a potential back flow of sewage into the lake and river and homes that would create serious environmental and public health hazards.
“I will continue to work with my colleagues in state government to make sure the necessary resources are made available in light of the long-term flooding issues we have seen along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River this spring,” Assemblywoman Jenne said. “I'm also focused on ensuring funding is made available so we can take proactive steps to protect our shoreline from future high water level events."
She said she is also cosponsoring legislation drafted by Assemblyman Morelle that would establish a $105 million flood recovery grant program limited to municipalities on the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
The bill would establish a grant program for flood recovery as well as mitigation planning for future weather events. The program would allow small businesses, farmers, owners of multiple dwellings, homeowners, not-for profit corporations and municipalities to receive grants from the Empire State Development Corporation.
While high water levels remain a concern in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, Assemblywoman Jenne said it is important to recognize that businesses and communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are taking steps so they can accommodate the tourists that will start flooding into the region starting with this weekend's Memorial Day holiday.
IN THE PHOTO:
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Deputy Director Kevin Wisely (left) discussed issues in St. Lawrence County related to high water levels with St. Lawrence County Emergency Services Director during a stop in Ogdensburg earlier this week.