Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee late last week approved
$104,000 to help restore the Niagara Watershed by developing and
implementing plans to reduce pollutants, improve navigational channels
and prevent flooding for communities along the Niagara River in Western
New York in the Energy and Water Bill.
“The
historic Niagara River Watershed has played an important role in our
nation’s history serving as a critical water route for generations,”
said Senator Schumer. “This funding will reenergize efforts to restore
the area to prevent flooding, improve the environment and provide
quality water to communities throughout the area for years to come.”
“This
project is great news for the Niagara Watershed and all of Western New
York,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help
improve water quality, restore the environment and protect communities
and families in Western New York from flooding. I will continue
working with Senator Schumer and the entire New York Delegation to make
sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
Buffalo
RIVERKEEPER will receive $104,000 to recommend and implement
multi-agency plans to help restore the Niagara River Watershed. The
plans will help restore ecosystems, prevent future environmental
losses, eliminate bacterial loadings and pollutants, as well as improve
navigational channels, analyze flood control operations and improve
sanitary and sewage infrastructure.
Next, the appropriations
bill will be sent to the Senate floor. Following approval by the
Senate, the bill will move toward Conference with the House and then to
the President for signature. Clearing the Senate Subcommittee is the
most difficult step in the process.