$4.2 Billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is the first bond act since the 1990s
ALBANY — The $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Energy, Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act was overwhelmingly passed by voters — and lawmakers said it will not result in a tax increase.
The act, which early totals posted Tuesday night showed was winning 1,476,086 to 520,154, will devote millions of dollars for water infrastructure improvements across the state, with at least $200 million earmarked for upgrading wastewater systems. Roughly $250 million will pay for local stormwater projects — especially in areas prone to flooding.
Other projects include replacing lead service lines that provide water to residences. Many of those antiquated pipes remain in older cities and neighborhoods and can expose residents to lead-contaminated water.
The public funds also will set aside $500 million to help school districts ensure their school buses are all electric by 2035, which the state mandated earlier this year. There will also be funds to transform school buildings and state-owned properties to energy efficient facilities, including updating heating and cooling systems. Off-shore wind farms are being allocated $500 million.
The bond act also will increase funding for the state Department of Environmental Conservation by $15 million and be used to improve state lands, rehabilitate campgrounds, and upgrade recreational facilities. This funding will also pay to upgrade dams, conduct wetland restoration and establish fish hatcheries. An additional $20 million will fund upgrades to the state-owned Conklingville Dam.
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