30 October 2009 –(readMedia)– Governor David A. Paterson today announced the start of construction on a $4.6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded project to close and cap the Akey Road Municipal Landfill in the City of Plattsburgh. Crews will seal the site in a safe, environmentally-sensitive manner, saving local taxpayers an estimated $2.9 million in avoided interest expense and protecting local groundwater. Governor Paterson has certified this and seven other clean water projects, totaling $19 million in federal economic recovery funds for the North Country Region.
Governor Paterson said: “Just as President Obama and the State Congressional Delegation worked diligently to secure these federal stimulus funds, I have worked diligently with the Environmental Facilities Corporation to certify shovel-ready projects that will help get New Yorkers back to work. The revitalization of our local economies and needed improvements to our water infrastructure network will benefit communities across the State, such as the City of Plattsburgh.”
City of Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak said: “I appreciate the support of Governor Paterson and all the New York State agencies involved especially the Environmental Facilities Corporation for this generous funding package. This is another example of the interest by Governor Paterson for the North Country environment and its residents. I am very grateful for his support.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and EFC Board Chairman Pete Grannis said: “Dozens of projects across New York State are breaking ground and making positive contributions to the economy and environment in the communities that need it most, thanks to the stimulus funding secured by President Obama, Governor Paterson, and New York’s Congressional delegation. When completed, the Plattsburgh landfill closure project will be more protective of the region’s natural resources and accomplished with financing that reduces the burden on local taxpayers.”
The City’s project includes the construction of an impermeable landfill membrane liner and a groundwater interceptor trench. The liner will prevent rainwater from seeping through the landfill and protect groundwater. Construction began in October 2009 and is expected to end in November 2010.
The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation will administer the $4.6 million funding package to pay for the entire cost of the project, which includes a $2.3 million stimulus grant and a $2.3 million low-interest loan via the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Acting President Matthew Millea said: “This project demonstrates that stimulus projects are under-construction and putting New Yorkers to work, creating positive, long-lasting economic and environmental benefits. For North Country residents and businesses hit hard by the recession, this project will offer new opportunities. Thanks to Governor Paterson and our Congressional Delegation’s support of funding water quality projects through the Federal stimulus program, we are able to make this important announcement today.”
New York State received a record $432 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. To date, Governor Paterson has announced 41 projects that will benefit from this notable program totaling over $400 million. For more information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, please visit www.recovery.ny.gov.
The following quotes were provided in support of the City of Plattsburgh’s clean water project:
New York State Senator Betty Little said: “This is a smart investment that has important short- and long-term benefits. It meets the goal of economic stimulus by creating and retaining jobs, but it also protects the environment by preventing water pollution. I commend Governor David Paterson and his staff for supporting this project and congratulate Mayor Don Kasprzak, Environmental Facilities Corporation Acting President Matt Millea and others for their success in winning this grant. Strong teamwork gets great results.”
New York State Assemblywoman Janet L. Duprey said: “I am pleased to join Governor Paterson in thanking federal officials for Recovery Act funding to assist the City of Plattsburgh. This project will protect the environment and water quality while providing funding relief for city taxpayers. I congratulate the Mayor and city officials for pursuing this grant, which I enthusiastically supported. The awarding of this funding is a shining example of federal, state and local officials working together for the ultimate benefit of local residents and businesses.”
CONTACTS
Deidrea Miller, EFC Communications Director
millerd@nysefc.org
+1 518 402 6957
David Neustadt, Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet Spokesman: David Neustadt,
dneustadt@ins.state.ny.us
+1 212 681 4640
