Whether it’s to brush your teeth, prepare a meal or drink a cold beverage on a hot summer day, everyone deserves access to clean water. It may amaze many to learn that not everyone can just turn on a sink to a clear stream. It should be a government’s first priority to provide its citizens with such a basic necessity like clean water.

Across the state, water infrastructure systems are failing and are long past due for an update. This is why I am so proud that after consistently pushing all year, the 2017 Clean Water Infrastructure Program is finally taking off. The villages of Carthage and West Carthage will be receiving almost a combined total of $12 million in loans for the joint wastewater system between the two villages. Carthage will be awarded $3.5 million, of which $2.8 million will be a zero interest loan. The remaining $8.3 million will go to West Carthage, which will have a zero interest loan of $6.5 million.

Providing clean water is of the utmost importance and one of the prominent responsibilities of government. We must ensure that we are doing all we can to keep our communities healthy and safe. No child deserves to go to the water fountain at school or on the playground and get a mouthful of lead-laced water. With the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, aquifers will be protected and old lead pipes replaced along with other updates to the water systems in communities throughout the state.

Not only is this money an investment into the health of our communities, it is an investment into the local job market by creating additional positions in the construction and manufacturing industries. In turn this will strengthen the economy as no great economy can survive or flourish without a strong and stable infrastructure. Additionally, this project will require hard work and dedication, something I know residents of these communities have.

This is a critical project, as it involves the well-being of our residents and their families. While we want New Yorkers to have clean water as soon as possible, we must make sure it is done swiftly, efficiently and correctly. Moving forward we must keep a close eye on these projects to make sure all proper procedures are followed to ensure no mistakes are made and the outcome is a success.

I want to know what you think about this or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909