Riverkeeper reacts to Governor Cuomo’s 2022 Executive Budget

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo released the 2022 Executive Budget proposal this afternoon at the state capitol in Albany. In the address, the Governor outlined a clean water and jobs focused budget that will continue to make progress on cleaning up our waterways and protecting wildlife across New York. Riverkeeper Legislative Advocacy Manager Jeremy Cherson responded to two proposals: The Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the Environmental Protection Fund.

Clean Water Infrastructure Act

“We’re grateful for the Governor’s commitment to water infrastructure funding in this challenging time for New Yorkers. The $500 million proposed for clean water projects included in the budget will build upon one of the most successful and ambitious clean water programs in the nation. The $3.5 billion appropriations since 2017 have touched every corner of the state, bringing tangible improvements to water quality and drinking water through critical work that also provides much needed jobs across the state.”

Environmental Protection Fund

“Riverkeeper appreciates Governor Cuomo’s continued support for a $300 million Environmental Protection Fund. The fund supports regional programs such as the Hudson River Estuary Program; a critical clean water, climate change preparedness and habitat restoration partner for Riverkeeper and communities across the estuary. Additional funding lines such as the Drinking Water Source Protection Program and Waterfront Redevelopment Program are essential programs that continue to drive innovation, new economic opportunities and environmental protection across the Hudson River Estuary. We are thrilled with continued funding of the EPF.”