State budget good news for environment

For anyone who cares about the air we breathe and the water we drink, this year’s state budget is one to celebrate.

Thanks to Governor Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Flanagan, and Environmental Conservation Committee Chairmen Senator O’Mara and Assemblyman Englebright, this year’s budget is a historic victory for New York’s environment.

An unprecedented level of funding — $300 million — was dedicated to the Environmental Protection Fund, which will protect natural resources, create jobs and sustain New York as a special place to live and work for many years to come. In addition, a grant program for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, which helps communities ensure clean water and public health, was boosted to $350 million.

These investments matter locally. The EPF has supported improvements at Eldridge Park, Watkins Glen and Mark Twain state parks, and Tanglewood Nature Center, and has helped farmers and municipalities protect and improve water quality. The water infrastructure program has already provided millions for projects in Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Penn Yann and Bath.

Given the wealth of treasured natural resources in our region, environmental investments in this year’s state budget hold much promise for the future of the Southern Tier.

JIM HOWE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTRAL AND WESTERN NEW YORK CHAPTER OF THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN NEW YORK