BILL NUMBER: S4995
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
designating water development representatives for each environmental
region of the state
 
PURPOSE:
Designates water development representatives for each environmental
conservation region in New York.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the environmental conservation law by adding a new
section to designate a representative for each environmental conserva-
tion region of the state to serve as point of contact for municipalities
to aid in the acquisition of resources and funding for water projects.
Section 2 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York's water infrastructure is among the oldest in the country.
Oftentimes municipalities face various hurdles in attempts to secure
grants and funding for updating their water infrastructure. Improve-
ments to water infrastructure include repairs and upgrades to water
mains, ensuring the removal of harmful chemicals from water supplies
such as PFAs, and replacing lead pipes that contribute to contamination.
By assigning a representative for each environmental conservation
region, municipalities can have one point of contact for assistance in
securing resources and funding. As the climate crisis continues, New
York must maintain its competitive edge in the abundance of fresh water.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S4814A/A6083 - Passed Senate/ Died in Environmental Conserva-
tion
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S4995: 15-1109 environmental conservation law