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New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey is advocating for a new bill aimed at assisting small towns with water main breaks. The proposed legislation, known as the Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program, seeks to provide consistent support for municipalities facing aging water infrastructure issues. Hinchey highlighted that a village in her district experienced six water main breaks within a year, emphasizing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements across the state.
The bill would enable municipalities to address immediate issues like broken water lines and also assist in planning for long-term water system maintenance. The program targets counties, cities, towns, villages, or public authorities that manage drinking water, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems, excluding those under private management.
Several towns in Ulster, Dutchess, Greene, and Columbia counties have dealt with multiple water main breaks this past winter, underscoring the necessity of such legislation. The bill is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability in water utility management, as seen in related legislative proposals requiring audits of private water companies.
The bill aims to ensure safe and reliable water infrastructure for communities across New York State.