Senator Calls For Federal Wastewater Infrastructure Funding

A U.S. senator is going to bat for wastewater infrastructure repairs in New York State.

In January, Sen. Charles Schumer "urged a federal agency to approve a city application for funding to fix damage caused by Superstorm Sandy" at a wastewater treatment plant in the city of Kingston, the Daily Freeman reported.

Kingston officials have applied for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Schumer visited the plant to show support for the bid. The city is in a tough spot because its original estimates for the cost of repairs appear to have been too low. Last year, city officials said the cost would be $1.9 million. Now it appears the cost could rise to $6 million.

The work includes "replacement of a complicated, damaged system of underground electrical cables," the report said.

Schumer explained why the funding is needed.

“This FEMA funding is the last piece of the puzzle when it comes to making absolutely vital repairs to the City of Kingston’s wastewater treatment plant and makes it more able to withstand future storms,” the senator said, per the Mid Hudson News.

“This project, and the additional funding, is sorely needed to help prevent future damage from flooding and it is critical for making sure this city of 30,000 people has a facility that will remain viable in the long term,” he said, per a statement.

Schumer stressed the challenges that small cities face when it comes to funding infrastructure projects.

“Smaller cities like Kingston are under immense financial pressure, and they should not be left holding the bag for an additional $4 million. With work ready to get underway, I am urging FEMA to cover the additional costs and get this project moving forward. I do not want to see this project get stuck in endless bureaucracy.”

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