Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced $516,565 awarded to the City of Schenectady as part of New York State’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act initiative funded in this year’s state budget. The funds will advance a project to upgrade residential water service lines, replacing old lead pipes. “As a civil engineer, I know that smart investments to repair and replace old pipes and water mains will help ensure clean water for our families and continued success for upstate cities like Schenectady,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

Lead poisoning is especially harmful to young children whose brains are still developing. As part of the Clean Water Act of 2017, Assemblyman Santabarbara advocated for the creation of the Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Program, which allows the Department of Health to secure grant funds for the replacement of lead service lines. This is the most recent initiative in the State’s Childhood Lead Prevention efforts which began in 2007. “As reports of lead in school drinking water around the state continue to surface, I also supported the passage of legislation last year that now requires lead-testing of drinking water in all of our public schools”, said Assemblyman Santabarbara.

“The health of our community, especially when concerning our children, must always be a top priority, and this begins with access to safe drinking water”, added Assemblyman Santabarbara. “These improvements to infrastructure are vital in ensuring the continued health and strength of our community.”