Despite the COVID-19 crisis, New York state leaders have moved forward with funding that will protect the Adirondack Park.
The recently passed state budget includes several significant investments in clean water: $300 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF); $500 million in new clean water infrastructure funding for a total of $1 billion available this year to keep sewage and pollution out of streams, lakes, and drinking water; and a $3 billion Restore Mother Nature Bond Act.
The EPF funding includes $13 million for invasive species management, some of which will be directed to Upper Saranac Lake’s boat inspection and decontamination station.
If voters approve the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act in November, funding would protect Adirondack communities in the face of climate change and associated severe weather events. The Bond Act includes $1 billion for flood risk reduction and shoreline protection, which could potentially benefit all waterfront shorelines. It would also provide $550 million for water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure that could assist in the repair of dams throughout the Adirondacks. The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) has already begun discussions with state officials to try to influence funding toward assisting with needed repairs to the Bartlett Carry Dam.
Even in this time of uncertainty, it is apparent that New York’s legislative leaders care about the future of Adirondack waters and share in the protection of our resources. Knowing that the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act will have a positive impact on the Upper Saranac watershed, USF hopes that voters will support it in November.