Washington -- U.S. Senator Charles Schumer Wednesday announced a plan to increase federal funding to help modernize the state’s “archaic” sewage system. Schumer said with inadequate and insufficient sewage capacity causing polluted waterways and closed beaches, stifling new housing, and choking off economic development, he is concerned that the outmoded infrastructure poses a tremendous threat to the economic and environmental health of the state. 

The lawmaker said New York State’s current sewer system crisis is caused by an aging infrastructure and years of insufficient federal funding.   Across the state, leaky and overflowing pipes result in untreated sewage leaking into residential homes and local bodies of waters commonly used for drinking water and recreational activities, he said. Groundwater degradation has resulted as contaminants leak into the soil and waterways from failing treatment plants, pipes and septic tanks. Pathogens and viruses are released into waterways, affecting local wildlife and fisheries and threatening drinking water, according to Schumer.

Schumer will co-sponsor legislation in the Senate to increase federal grant funding for municipal sewage infrastructures by providing funding for upgrades of sewage treatment plans across the state. It has already passed the House.