Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced the Assembly’s 2016-17 state budget proposal funds critical upgrades to protect drinking water, addresses health concerns – including lead exposure – and provides tax incentives to spur clean-energy initiatives (E.1047).

The Assembly’s budget calls for $300 million for water and sewer infrastructure projects, a $50 million increase over what the governor proposed. The funds are to be used in the form of grants to local governments to repair or replace water mains and sewer systems.

“The contamination of drinking water in communities within our state and across the nation from aging infrastructure is unacceptable,” Assemblyman Thiele said. “Many of our communities are facing the failure of sewer and water pipes. Ensuring the safety of our water supply is critical to the health of our children and families, and that’s why it’s a top priority for the Assembly Majority.”

Protecting public health

The Assembly’s proposal allocates $2 million to protect children’s health through the assessment and prevention of lead exposure. Another $7 million in funding for environmental justice programs is dedicated to environmental health issues, including lead inspection, remediation job training and other activities related to reducing lead exposure.

The Assembly also proposes that $3 million be dedicated to household hazardous waste collection events and $2 million for a statewide drug collection program for unwanted pharmaceutical drugs, ensuring that harmful contaminants don’t enter drinking water.

Combating climate change

Climate change is increasing the odds of more extreme weather events taking place, and we’ve seen the effects here in New York, most prominently with Superstorm Sandy. To protect New Yorkers from future storms, the Assembly budget provides funds for a coastal resiliency and flood mitigation program as part of the $25.5 million Climate Change Action Plan included within the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

“With the recent changes in weather patterns due to climate change, flooding along our coasts is an increasing concern,” said Thiele. “This is another area where we need to be proactive, and this budget reflects the need to build up our shorelines to withstand future storms and extreme weather.”

Incentives for clean energy

Encouraging the use of clean and alternative energy is also a priority in this year’s budget proposal. Under the plan, alternative fuels would be eligible for a tax exemption for another five years and a clean fuels tax credit would be extended as well. The plan provides for a sales tax exemption for commercial fuel cells and creates a five-year geothermal energy system tax credit. Additionally, the Assembly’s proposal specifies that $15 million of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds for the State University of New York (SUNY) can be used to offer additional courses, hire faculty, purchase equipment and support workforce training. The funding can also be used to implement renewable energy products such as the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and wind turbines for low-income housing.