Press Release: New York State, September 25, 1998

Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, EPF to protect air, land and water

Governor George E. Pataki today announced $7.9 million for environmental projects in the Finger Lakes region of New York from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the State Environmental Protection Fund.

"New York is devoting more resources than ever to protecting and improving our natural resources," Governor Pataki said. "These grants will revitalize waterfronts, reclaim contaminated properties so that they can be put to productive use, improve and expand State and municipal parks and increase recycling to reduce the need to construct landfills. This is the largest commitment of funds ever to protect the Finger Lakes.

"Most of these projects are designed to protect and improve the water quality of the Finger Lakes, which are among New York's most beautiful water bodies and serve as important resources to farmers, tourists, wineries, anglers and communities as drinking water sources," the Governor said. "These grants will reduce pollution runoff from farms and roads and will help villages, towns and cities improve the performance of their wastewater treatment plants so that fewer contaminants are discharged into the Finger Lakes."

The grants announced today by the Governor include projects in Tompkins, Cayuga, Schuyler, Steuben, Seneca, Yates, Ontario, Cortland and Livingston counties.

The Governor announced the grants in the Town of Lansing, which is undertaking a coordinated project with the Village of Cayuga Heights and the City of Ithaca to improve water quality in Cayuga Lake.

The project is receiving a $3.3 million Bond Act Water Quality Improvement grant to improve the Ithaca and Cayuga Wastewater Treatment plants. The project also will correct infiltration and inflow problems with the Ithaca wastewater collection system. Another $4.1 million in Bond Act funds will be provided to this $19.5 million project in fiscal year 1999-2000.

When complete, the project will reduce the amount of pathogens, nitrates and phosphorus discharged to surface waters and groundwater by improving the collection and treatment of wastewater -- and help correct excess phosphorus problems in the southern end of Cayuga Lake.

State Senator James L. Seward, said, "Today's announcement reflects positively on the leadership of Lansing, Ithaca and Cayuga Heights for their commitment to intermunicipal cooperation. I think Supervisor Kirby and Mayor Cohen have done a great job bringing the urgency of this to the attention of the State, and we're experiencing the tangible results of an environmental governor who cares about upstate New York."

Lansing Town Supervisor Jeannine A. Kirby said, "This project alleviates the wastewater treatment problems that have plagued the Ithaca-Cayuga Lake region for years. Thanks to the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the leadership of Governor Pataki, we now have a joint, comprehensive solution that is both economically viable and ecologically sound. I am pleased to have played a role in making this happen, and I am thrilled that the town of Lansing and the Greater Ithaca area are reaping the benefits of the environmental bond act."

Ithaca Mayor Alan Cohen said, ""We are ecstatic and grateful for this grant. It will enable the partner municipalities to break the gridlock on a long standing issue and open the door for a number of cooperative and collaborative opportunities."

John Lincoln, President of the New York Farm Bureau, said, "The grants that are being issued by Governor Pataki will help not only farmers, but also surrounding landowners and the environment. These funds will help farmers manage their operations more efficiently and help all of us in the long run. We thank Governor Pataki for his continued commitment to the agricultural community in New York State."

The $5 million in Bond Act water quality improvement projects were selected by the State's environmental experts who reviewed applications submitted by municipalities. The projects will be reviewed by a committee of Finger Lakes community members and environmental experts and will be subject to a 30-day public comment period.

The EPF also is providing $743,749 for non-point water pollution control projects in the Finger Lakes area. For example, The Yates County Soil and Water Conservation District is receiving $174,500 to reduce runoff from farms into Seneca and Keuka lakes.

Other highlights of the grants in the nine-county area are:

* Brownfield Reclamations: The Bond Act is providing $141,170 for environmental investigations of "brownfield" sites in the City of Ithaca and Mt. Morris in Livingston County where new parklands and industrial developments are planned.

* Waterfront Revitalization: $231,350 is being provided through the EPF for local waterfront revitalization projects in the City of Geneva, the Village of Dresden, the Town of Seneca Falls, the City of Corning, the Village of Watkins Glen and the Town of Ledyard.

* Municipal Parks Improvements: $844,836 is being provided through the Bond Act and EPF for projects at Denison Park in the City of Corning and at the Town of Victor and Mertensia Town Park in Farmington. In the Town of Naples in Ontario County and the Town of Virgil in Cortland County, land will be acquired to create new parks and recreational areas.

* State Parks Improvements: $150,000 is being provided to complete construction of day-use facilities and connections to sewage and water distribution systems at Long Point State Park on Cayuga Lake.

* Historic Preservation Projects:$528,557 is being provided through the Bond Act and EPF for rehabilitation projects at Schines Theater in Auburn, the downtown business district in the Village of Seneca Falls, at Mills Mansion in Mount Morris at the Cayuga Museum/Case Research Lab in the City of Auburn.

* Municipal Reycling Projects: $242,001 is being provided through the EPF and Bond Act to increase recycling in the Town of Springwater, Livingston County; and in the City of Canandaigua and Ontario County, Ontario County.

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner John P. Cahill said, "Never before has New York State provided this level of resources to help communities across the State invest in environmental protection and renewal projects. Under Governor Pataki's leadership, New York has regained its rightful place as the national leader among states in environmental protection."

Secretary of State Sandy Treadwell said, "New York's waterfront resources are among its greatest assets. These grants will enhance our natural resources and the public's enjoyment of coastal and waterfront environments in New York State. Thanks to Governor Pataki's strong leadership and his commitment to our waterfront revitalization program, we are strengthening our partnership with local governments to protect and improve our state's waterfront environments."

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "Thanks to the Bond Act and Governor Pataki's committment to cleaner water and air, we are able to complete construction of a day-use facility and water distributuion systems at Long Point State Park on Cayuga Lake."

State Agriculture Commissioner Donald R. Davidsen said, "Farmers across new York are eager to protect drinking water from the natural biproduct of their operations. This funding from the Governor helps farmers protect watersheds from barnyard runoff and will also help guarantee the people of the Finger Lakes region will forever have clean water flowing from their faucets."

In just two years since voters approved the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, more than $455 million has been committed to needed environmental projects around the State. The Bond Act has now provided $20.7 million in grants for environmental projects in the nine counties covered by today's announcement. These counties also have received $17.9 million in Bond Act financing for improvements to drinking water systems.

The $1.75 billion Bond Act was proposed by Governor Pataki and approved by voters in November 1996. It provides $790 million for water quality projects, $355 million to protect drinking water systems, $175 million for recycling and landfill closures, $200 million for brownfields reclamation, and $230 million for clean air projects.

The State Environmental Protection Fund supports State and local programs to preserve and restore the environment by protecting open spaces, farmland, coastlines and municipal parks, closing outdated municipal landfills and improving recycling. During the Pataki Administration, EPF funding has increased four-fold.

A list of the projects is attached.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR CAYUGA COUNTY

Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $118,214
Project Cost: $257,439
Non-Point Source Agricultural Pollution Control Project -- Construction of a manure composting system on a Genoa farm. This project will reduce manure land spreading and prevent manure runoff into Paines Creek, an outlet into Cayuga Lake.

Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $5,997
Project Cost: $8,000
Water Quality Improvement project - Install three 300 foot terraces and approximately 800 feet of tile to reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients entering Little Salmon Creek, where fish propagation and survival are threatened.

Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $62,750
Project Cost: $105,000
Water Quality Improvement Project- Implementation of rotational grazing systems on 13 farms, including the construction of fencing, alternative watering systems, and stream crossings. Project will reduce soil erosion and movement of sediments into Owasco Lake, a source of drinking water for 50,000 people.

Cayuga Museum
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $90,000
Project Cost: $180,000
Historic Preservation Project -- Rehabilitate the Cayuga Museum/Case Research Lab by improving access and increasing public spaces. Work will focus on severely deteriorated entry doors, exterior stairways, and entry sidewalks.

Village of Fair Haven
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $47,500
Project Cost: $95,000
Non-Point Source Pollution Control Project -- Construction of a salt storage shed to store the Village's stockpile of road sand and salt to prevent runoff from entering nearby Vought's Creek.

Town of Ledyard
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $50,000
Project Cost: $100,000
Local Waterfront Revitalization Project - Continue the preparation of a Watershed Management Plan for Cayuga Lake. Second year activities include continuing public education and completing a draft management plan.

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation - Long Point State Park
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $150,000
Project Cost: $150,000
State Parks Project -- Complete construction of the day-use facilities and connections to sewage and water distribution systems at Long Point State Park on Cayuga Lake.

Schines Theater
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $228,255
Project Cost: $500,000
Historic Preservation Project -- Restore/replace a seriously deteriorated roof, rehabilitate structural supports and restore the marquee, front facades and interior lobby of this historic Schines Theater in Auburn.

Village of Springport
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $715,980
Project Cost: $842,329
Water Quality Improvement Project -- Installation of sewers to collect wastewater from 300 residences in the Town of Springport to prevent runoff into Cayuga Lake from failing septic systems.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR CORTLAND COUNTY

City of Cortland
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $100,000
Project Cost: $200,000
Municipal Recycling Project-- Purchase of a tub grinder to enhance the City's recycling program

Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $42,194
Project Cost: $50,917
Non-Point Source Agricultural Pollution Control Project--Implementation of management practices to prevent barnyard runoff on two farms surrounding Otselic River Watershed and Whitney Point Reservoir

Cortland County SWCD
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $81,885
Project Cost: $94,914
Water Quality Improvement Project --Implementation of improved management practices on three farms in the Fall Creek watershed, including barnyard runoff management systems, a concrete storage tank for milking center wastewater treatment, and stabilized stream crossings. The projects will reduce the amount of sediment and pollutants entering the Virgil aquifer and Cayuga Lake.

Town of Virgil
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $350,000
Project Cost: $700,000
Municipal Parks Project-- Acquisition of approximately 50 acres of open land for the construction of a lake impoundment and the development of a new Town recreation area

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Livingston County Industrial Development Authority
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $56,250
Project Cost: $75,000
Brownfields Project-- Investigation of a portion of the Mt. Morris industrial park for potential contamination at the site

Town of Springwater
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $5,500
Project Cost: $11,000
Municipal Recycling Project-- Reconditioning of a recycling storage building

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR ONTARIO COUNTY

City of Canandaigua
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $40,620
Project Cost: $81,240
Municipal Recycling Project-- Purchase of a recycling truck and residential recycling containers to improve City's curbside recycling program

Town of Farmington
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $60,000
Project Cost: $120,000
Municipal Parks Project-- Development of Mertensia Town Park to connect adjacent hiking trails and provide public access to Ganargua Creek

City of Geneva
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $75,000
Project Cost: $150,000
Waterfront Revitalization Project-- Construction of the South Beach Trail Promenade to extend the City's multi-purpose trail system to the southern portion of the Lakefront and the South Beach recreation site

Town of Naples
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $75,100
Project Cost: $150,200
Municipal Parks Project-- Acquisition of 36.4 acres to create Bristol Hills Park, a youth-oriented park adjacent to State lands at Hi Tor, the Finger Lakes Trail and Naples Creek

Ontario County
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $95,881
Project Cost: $191,762
Municipal Recycling Project-- Enhancements to a materials recovery facility, including installation of recyclables sorting equipment, magnetic separators and a loading dock

Town of Victor Municipal Parks Project--
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $191,302
Project Cost: $400,000
Expansion of inter-regional youth recreation opportunities and development of nature interpretive trails and a regional Leigh Valley linear trail connecting to communities in Ontario and Monroe Counties

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR SCHUYLER COUNTY

Schuyler County Soil &Water Conservation District
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $266,049
Project Cost: $371,449
Non-Point Source Agricultural Pollution Control Project -- Implementation of rotational grazing programs on four farms within the Taughannock Creek, Bolter Creek and Cayuga Lake watersheds. The projects will prevent soil erosion and barnyard runoff.

Schuyler County
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $201,308
Project Cost: $281,596
Water Quality Improvement Project- Construction of three manure storage structures, two silage leachate collection systems, two milkhouse waste collection systems, and two barnyard runoff management systems on three farms in the Catharine Creek watershed.

Village of WatkinsGlen
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $3,100
Project Cost: $6,200
Local Waterfront Revitalization Project - - Completion of a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for the Seneca Lake and Cayuga-Seneca Canal waterfronts.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR SENECA COUNTY

Town of Seneca Falls
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $50,000
Project Cost: $100,000
Waterfront Revitalization Project -- Preparation of a joint Local Waterfront Revitalization Program by the Town and Village of Seneca Falls and the Town and Village of Waterloo. The plan will assure coordination of existing waterfront and revitalization projects funded by the NYS Canal Corporation, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development CDBG Canal Corridor Initiative, the National Park Service, and other capital improvement projects.

Village of Seneca Falls
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $191,302
Project Cost: $400,000
Historic Preservation Project -- Implementation of a facade improvement program in the Village's National Register listed downtown business district, adjacent to the Cayuga-Seneca Canal along Cowing, Fall and Bayard Streets.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR STEUBEN COUNTY

City of Corning
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $25,000
Project Cost: $50,000
Local Waterfront Revitalization Project - Design public access improvements to link the downtown business district, Chemung River waterfront, Corning Glass Center, and historic Market Street.

City of Corning
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $168,434
Project Cost: $336,868
Municipal Park Project -- Phase II development of Denison Park. It will provide access to the Chemung River and youth sports fields for baseball, T-ball, football, soccer and lacrosse.

Steuben County
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $51,308
Project Cost: $102,616
Water Quality Improvement Project -- Construction of a storage shed in the Town of Pulteney. The shed will store salt and salt/sand mixtures. The storage shed will prevent contaminated runoff from entering Keuka Lake and groundwater.

Town of Thurston
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $86,022
Project Cost: $172,044
Non-Point Source Pollution Control Project -- Construction of a salt storage building which will store approximately 3,400 tons of salt and a salt-sand mixture. The storage shed will prevent contaminated runoff from entering Michigan Creek and groundwater.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR TOMPKINS COUNTY

Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Fisheries
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $251,054
Project Cost: $251,054
Water Quality Improvement Project -- Stabilization of stream banks along Cayuga Inlet in the Town of Newfield to prevent erosion and improve aquatic habitat

City of Ithaca
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $3,363,248
Project Cost: $3,956,762
Water Quality Improvement Project -- Ithaca/Cayuga Heights/Lansing Area wastewater collection and treatment system improvements to address sewer system overflows and discharges into Cayuga Lake

City of Ithaca
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $175,000
Project Cost: $963,900
Water Quality Improvement Project-- Restoration and stabilization of Six Mile Creek watershed to improve water quality and protect aquatic habitat

City of Ithaca
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $84,920
Project Cost: $113,225
Brownfields Project-- Investigation of a two-acre site near Ithaca Falls for potential contamination from previous manufacturing activities at the site. Proposed future uses of the site include parklands and walking trails

Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $9,000
Project Cost: $12,000
Non-Point Source Agricultural Pollution Control Project -- Completion of Agricultural Environmental Management surveys on 70 farms throughout Cayuga Inlet Watershed to identify water quality problems

Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $68,970
Project Cost: $91,360
Water Quality Improvement Project-- Installation of rotational grazing systems on 12 farms to prevent soil erosion and manure runoff into the Cayuga Lake, Fall Creek, Six Mile Creek and Salmon Creek watersheds

Village of Trumansburg
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $22,500
Project Cost: $45,000
Water Quality Improvement Project-- Stabilization of eroding streambank at the old Village of Trumansburg dumpsite to protect aquatic habitat at Bolter Creek, Taughannock Creek and Cayuga Lake, as well as to protect surface water at Bolton Point

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR YATES COUNTY

Village of Dresden
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $28,250
Project Cost: $56,500
Waterfront Revitalization Project-- The Village of Dresden, the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, the Finger Lakes Association, and the NYS Canal Corporation will develop recommendations for creating stronger linkages between the two primary tourist attractions of the Finger Lakes region - the waterways and wineries

Yates County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $68,600
Project Cost: $85,800
Non-Point Source Agricultural Pollution Control Project-- Seneca Lake Watershed Agricultural Environmental Management survey on 75 farms to identify potential water quality problems

Yates County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $105,900
Project Cost: $131,310
Non-Point Source Agricultural Pollution Control Project -- Keuka Lake Watershed Agricultural Environmental Management project to build petroleum spill protection devices, pesticide storage buildings and to implement manure management on 13 farms