Press Release: New York State, October 19, 1998

Bond Act, EPF to protect environment of Clinton, Essex and Washington counties

Governor George E. Pataki today announced $6.1 million in grants for environmental projects in Clinton, Essex, Warren and Washington counties from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The grants will support projects to improve and protect water quality and improve municipal parks and historic sites.

ABy protecting the natural resources of the North Country, we are investing in the long-term economic health of the Adirondacks, Governor Pataki said. Thousands of New Yorkers live in the North Country, and millions more visit there, because of the outstanding quality of life that the Adirondacks natural resources provide -- mountains to climb, streams and lakes to canoe, fish or swim, forest lands to ski or snowmobile, and abundant wildlife both rare and common.

ABut we must not take the North Country's natural resources for granted, Governor Pataki said. Wise investments in environmental protection will help protect the quality of life that draws people to the Adirondacks. These grants will protect water quality and improve State and municipal park facilities, making the Adirondacks an even better place to live in or visit.

AIn a state blessed with remarkable water resources, Lake Champlain is extraordinary, Governor Pataki said. For years, Lake Champlain has been polluted by unnecessary phosphorus discharges simply because local governments couldnt afford the high cost of improved environmental protection. Todays grants will provide badly needed State assistance to help local governments protect Lake Champlain and ensure that future generations of New Yorkers will be able to experience the pristine waters that have brought people to its shores for centuries.

State Senator Ronald B. Stafford said, Improving our infrastructure addresses quality-of-life and health issues that Governor Pataki has emphasized as top priorities. The North Countrys parks, historic sites and water sources will improve dramatically as a result of these programs, benefitting residents and visitors alike.

Assemblyman Bobby DAndrea said, Governor Pataki is to be commended for his ongoing commitment to the residents of the North Country. Not only has he provided significant tax relief to New Yorkers, he also has been able to address the needs of the environment. I applaud his efforts, which no doubt will have a positive impact on the economic and environmental well-being of the North Country.

Assemblyman Chris Ortloff said, These grants give new life to communities whose future growth might someday conflict with our need for a clean environment. Keesevilles planned state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, for example, will create the capacity for new jobs and new homes together with a cleaner Lake Champlain.

Assemblywoman Elizabeth Little said, I am very pleased and grateful to have these worthwhile projects funded. The study of runoff waters from our farms will address several water pollution concerns, and the money to upgrade the Village of Keeseville wastewater treatment facility will allow the consideration of an expansion of the sewer district to areas where the high water table has caused damage to many homes.

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner John P. Cahill said, Governor Pataki has made an unprecedented commitment of funds for environmental protection in the Adirondacks. Todays grants add to that already remarkable record of State funding for projects to protect the North Countrys unique water resources. By protecting and, in many cases, improving water quality, we are investing in public health and the natural resources that make the Adirondacks so special.

AThe Adirondacks are a national treasure, and it is appropriate that we all share the cost of protecting them, Cahill said. Local governments often do not have the financial resources needed to modernize wastewater treatment plants or improve local parks and recreational facilities. These grants will fund important environmental work, ranging from innovative programs to reduce agricultural runoff to improving town parks.

State Secretary of State Alexander F. Treadwell said, New Yorks waterfront resources are among its greatest assets. The grants Governor Pataki announced two weeks ago will enhance our natural resources and the publics enjoyment of our waterfront environments in New York State. Thanks to Governor Patakis strong leadership and his commitment to our waterfront revitalization program, we are strengthening our partnership with local governments to protect and improve our states waterfront environments.

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, Thanks to Governor Patakis Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the State Environmental Protection Fund, water quality, parks and waterfronts are being improved and enhanced throughout the state.

State Agriculture Commissioner Donald R. Davidsen said, Farmers are eager to protect our precious water resources from the natural byproduct of their operations. The funding announced today will help farmers participate in Governor Patakis noble objective of making sure our water is clean and safe for future generations.

The grants announced today by the Governor include $1,692,488 for projects in Clinton County, $1,927,834 for projects in Essex County and $2,491,292 for projects in Washington County. The majority of the grants fund water quality protection projects.

In total, todays grants provide $6,111,612 for environmental projects, including

• Water Quality: $5 million for projects in Keene, Moriah, Port Henry, Keeseville, Whitehall, the Monty Bay watershed in Clinton County and the Five Mile Creek watershed in Essex County.
• Municipal Parks: $70,000 for projects in Keene and Saranac Lake.
• Historic Preservation: $373,112 for projects in Ticonderoga, Cambridge and Salem.
• Municipal Recycling: $668,500 for a project in Washington County.

Todays grants are primarily for projects to protect the water quality of Lake Champlain, which suffers from excessive phosphorus discharges. High phosphorus levels are contributing to the eutrophication of Lake Champlain, poisoning aquatic life and restricting recreational activities. The Lake Champlain Management Plan, signed by governors Pataki and Dean in October 1996, established phosphorus reduction as the highest environmental priority in the watershed.

Lori Fisher, Executive Director of the Lake Champlain Committee, said, The Lake Champlain Committee applauds the ongoing commitment of Bond Act funds to achieving phosphorus reductions in Lake Champlain. The economic health of the North Country is inextricably tied to the regions environmental health. This timely funding for sewage treatment upgrades and additional phosphorus reduction will make a meaningful difference in the Lakes water quality.

In total, todays grants provide $5 million for projects that will protect water quality, principally by improving wastewater treatment plants to reduce phosphorus discharges. The Port Henry/Moriah wastewater treatment plant also received a $481,800 Bond Act grant last year, and is slated to receive an additional $479,854 grant next year. Other water quality protection projects funded today include innovative agricultural runoff controls developed by county Soil and Water Conservation districts.

The three wastewater treatment plant projects will reduce phosphorus discharges to Lake Champlain by 4.5 metric tons per year. The two agriculture nonpoint source projects will reduce phosphorus discharges to Lake Champlain by 1.35 metric tons per year.

DEC Commissioner Cahill said, I am proud to say that New York is going to meet our commitment to phosphorus reductions well ahead of the 15-year schedule established by the Lake Champlain Management Plan that Governor Pataki signed in 1996. Because Governor Pataki has quadrupled the State Environmental Protection Fund and persuaded New Yorkers to approve the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, the State has been able to provide the funds needed to make rapid progress on reducing pollution in Lake Champlain.

Walter Rushbie, Town of Moriah Supervisor, said I appreciate the fact that we will be able to clean up the Lake some more. I am excited by the Governors assistance with helping the town and village with infrastructure upgrades. This fits in perfectly with the Town of Moriah and the Village of Port Henrys waterfront development program.

The $5.2 million in Bond Act projects were selected by the States environmental experts who reviewed applications submitted by municipalities. The Bond Act projects will be reviewed by the Lake Champlain Management Conference and will be subject to a 30-day public comment period.

In addition, on Sept. 27 Governor Pataki announced $1.8 million in grants for Lake Champlain and Lake George communities. The grants from the EPF and Economic Development Assistance funds will support waterfront revitalization and environmental protection projects on the Lake Champlain shoreline.

In just two years since voters approved the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, more than $612 million has been committed to needed environmental projects around the State.

To date, Washington County projects have received $9,847,164 in grants from the Bond Act and $475,973 in loans.
To date, Essex County projects have received $19,964,217 in grants from the Bond Act and $7,885,940 in loans.
To date, Clinton County projects have received $8,477,466 in grants from the Bond Act and $1,889,268 in loans.

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, funding for the EPF has quadrupled.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR ESSEX COUNTY
Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and State Environmental Protection Fund

Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $319,074
Project Cost: $383,236
Water Quality Improvement Project: (Lake Champlain) Installation of improved agricultural management practices, including manure storage facilities, a milk house wastewater tank, stabilization stream crossings, and alternative water supplies on five farms in the Five Mile Creek watershed. The implementation of these practices will protect Lake Champlain from phosphorus loading and biological contamination.

Fort Ticonderoga Association
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $191,300
Project Cost: $959,270
Historic Preservation Project: Restoration of Fort Ticonderoga, Southwest Bastion and West Platform. These two masonry structures are at risk of collapse resulting from water saturation of the clay fill behind the walls.

Town of Keene
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $95,500
Project Cost: $191,000
Water Quality Improvement Project: (Lake Champlain) Stabilization of 1,800 feet of streambank on the Ausable River. The project will use rock riprap protection, vegetative plantings and several stream deflectors to redirect waterflow toward the center of the stream. The improvements will reduce sand runoff and the embeddedness of the stream gravel. It will also deepen the channel, reduce anchor ice buildup and improve habitat for fish and aquatic insects.

Town of Keene
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $50,000
Project Cost: $162,013
Municipal Parks Project: Rehabilitation and expansion of youth-oriented recreation facilities at the Hamlet of Keene and the Keene Valley Central School recreation area. The nature trail on the Ausable River will also be cleared for multi-season use and a segment will be developed for handicapped accessible fishing.

Town of Moriah/Village of Port Henry (joint)
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $1,220,146
Project Cost: $2,565,882
Water Quality Improvement Project: (Lake Champlain) Construction of tertiary wastewater treatment facilities at the Port Henry/Moriah wastewater plant. The project will reduce discharges of inadequately treated wastewater containing phosphorus, other nutrients and pathogens that are currently affecting the Port Henry segment of Lake Champlain.

Village of Saranac Lake
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $20,000
Project Cost: $56,000
Municipal Parks Project: Improvements at the Mt. Pisgah Ski Area/Veterans Memorial Park. The project includes picnic tables, hiking and bicycle trails, tennis/basketball courts, ski lift, locker room, parking area and landscaping.

Town of Ticonderoga
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $31,812
Project Cost: $71,300
Historic Preservation Project:
Repair, restoration, stabilization, cleaning, and preserving the Liberty Monument. The monument is located at the western end of Montcalm Street and serves as the western gateway to Ticonderoga's historic downtown.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR CLINTON COUNTY
Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and State Environmental Protection Fund

Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $231,000
Project Cost: $268,000
Water Quality Improvement Project: Construction of manure storage and barnyard runoff systems on a 1,200 animal unit farm located on the shore of Monty Bay. It will eliminate the need for daily manure spreading which will prevent excess nutrients from entering Lake Champlain.

Village of Keeseville
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $1,461,488
Project Cost: $1,719,397
Water Quality Improvement Project: Improvements to the existing wastewater treatment plant including installation of sludge dewatering and handling equipment, and the addition of phosphorus removal technology. The project will reduce pollutants entering the Ausable River and better ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

ENVIRONMENTAL FUNDING FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and State Environmental Protection Fund

Northeastern NY Railroad Preservation Group
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $150,000
Project Cost: $831,295
Historic Preservation Project: Acquisition and restoration of the Cambridge railroad station and improvement of the railroad track right-of-way between Salem and Cambridge so that it will meet safety standards.

Washington County Sewer District #2
Funding Source: EPF
State Funds: $668,500
Project Cost: $1,337,000
Municipal Recycling Project: Biosolids Composting Facility to work in conjunction with the Sewer District's sewage treatment plant and enable the District to reduce costs for trucking and landfilling of biosolids.

Village of Whitehall
Funding Source: Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
State Funds: $1,672,792
Project Cost: $1,967,990
Water Quality Improvement Project: Improvements to the Village's wastewater treatment plant, including a new aeration system, waste sludge handling facility and a tertiary treatment phosphorus removal process. Also, rehabilitation of approximately 5.5 miles of sanitary sewer collection pipeline and 35 sanitary manhole connections to correct infiltration and inflow problems. The project will substantially reduce the amount of stormwater inflow to the Village's sanitary storm sewer collection system.