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Council Member Julie Menin discusses inequitable water infrastructure funding for NYC
0:05:26
ยท
90 sec
Council Member Julie Menin addresses the inequitable distribution of water infrastructure funding for New York City. She highlights the disparity between NYC's population share and the funding it receives, emphasizing the impact on minority and low-income communities. Menin introduces Resolution 144-A to address these funding barriers.
- Menin points out that NYC, with nearly 50% of the state's population, is capped at receiving only 10% of water infrastructure funds.
- She notes that in 2022 and 2023, NYC received only 2% and 6% of water infrastructure grant funds, respectively.
- Menin thanks her colleagues, the chair, and her team for their support and work on the resolution.
Julie Menin
0:05:26
Thank you so much, chair Gennaro.
0:05:28
When the infrastructure investment and jobs act was enacted in 02/2021, it unlocked approximately $50,000,000,000 in federal funds on water and waste initiatives for states.
0:05:40
This funding is transformative, particularly for financing sewer upgrades and storm water management.
0:05:47
Yet, New York state law caps any municipality from receiving more than 10% at maximum of water infrastructure funds available.
0:05:56
That limits New York City, home to almost 50% of the state's population, from receiving its proper share of funding for water infrastructure upgrades.
0:06:04
Specifically, because of these restrictive rules by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, the city's share of water infrastructure grant funds was 2% in 2022 and six percent in 2023.
0:06:19
As New York City has a majority minority population, these inequitable policies promulgated by New York State disproportionately impact minority and low income communities.
0:06:29
That is why I introduced resolution one four four, urging the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to eliminate these barriers and uncap the city's funding for critical water infrastructure improvements.
0:06:41
I, first of all, wanna thank my colleagues.
0:06:43
I wanna thank the chair for supporting me in this resolution, and I wanna acknowledge drafter Jared Burst and my team Jonathan Schutt, Brandon Jordan, Mercedes Anderson, and Ramaz Hassonen for their work.
0:06:54
Thank you again, chair, for allowing me to speak.