The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Cuomo Administration have reached an agreement that will end the state’s appeal regarding the use of federal clean water funds for construction relating to the New New York Bridge. Last September, the EPA rejected all but $29 million worth of the Cuomo Administration’s $511 million loan from the state’s Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund to the Thruway Authority.

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2015

Cuomo Administration Agrees to Drop Appeal of EPA Clean Water Ruling

State Can Focus Efforts on Helping Communities Fix Their Pipes

Albany – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Cuomo Administration have reached an agreement that will end the state’s appeal regarding the use of federal clean water funds for construction relating to the New New York Bridge. Last September, the EPA rejected all but $29 million worth of the Cuomo Administration’s $511 million loan from the state’s Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund to the Thruway Authority.

After initially appealing that decision, the EPA and administration have agreed that Oyster Bed Restoration (valued at $1.2 million) and the relocation of a Falcon Nest Box (valued at $100,000) will also be allowed. For a full breakdown of what was agreed to as an acceptable use of clean water funds and what was not, visit: http://bit.ly/1FiqSTr

The following statement is attributable to Executive Director Peter Iwanowicz:

“It is great news that the Cuomo Administration has agreed to drop any further appeal of EPA’s ruling against the use of clean water funds for bridge construction, and forgo further litigation. This agreement follows the science and federal law. We applaud the EPA for undertaking a very thorough and comprehensive review of this plan, and for working with the Cuomo Administration on an agreement that will protect clean water funds. Now the state can focus on the task at hand — expediting efforts to move the funds out the door so that communities can get down to work fixing their pipes.

We also want to give special thanks to our great partners throughout this process, particularly Riverkeeper, Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, Reinvent Albany, Tri-State Transportation Campaign and many others for all of their hard work and expertise which led to this result.”

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