I am pleased that Governor Cuomo has proposed a $2 billion capital investment in New York State’s clean water infrastructure over the next few years. This proposal is very similar to my proposal for a $5 billion referendum to protect New York State’s land and water. My proposal would provide $4 billion for water quality improvement projects and $1 billion for land preservation. Unlike the Governor’s proposal, my proposal would require state voter approval.

The need to upgrade our green infrastructure is well documented. The Governor’s leadership on this issue will ensure that we will make major progress in 2017 on remediating and protecting our water resources.

There is no place in the State that will benefit more than Long Island for this funding. We are surrounded by water and draw our drinking water from under our feet. With the development of the LI Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP), the development of new technology from the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology at Stony Brook, and the recent approval of water quality funding as part of the Peconic Bay Region Community Preservation Fund, eastern Long Island is well positioned to take full advantage of State water quality capital funds.

I look forward to more details on the Governor’s initiative and the legislative input that will come through negotiations on the State budget. This will lead to a comprehensive state water quality protection strategy and the funds necessary to implement it.