Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced that he has introduced legislation that would establish a tax credit for homeowners and businesses for the use of permeable surfaces in construction, including sidewalks, driveways, patios and parking lots, to help reduce flooding (A.8383).

“Our communities have seen the negative effects of flooding and how paved surfaces can exacerbate the problem,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “The more regular use of permeable surfaces in communities like Clay, Cicero and Manlius would go a long way toward lessening the local impact of floods, while also protecting our local environment.”

Every day in New York, approximately 27 to 31 billion gallons of precipitation run off into surface waters, including streams, rivers and lakes.¹ While the Clean Water Act has been instrumental in cleaning up our nation’s waterways, at least 40 percent of our rivers and lakes remain too polluted for fishing, swimming or aquatic life.²

Impermeable surfaces, like asphalt and concrete, lead to an increase in runoff that can cause temporary flooding and contribute the pollution of lakes, streams, rivers and other bodies of water. As runoff builds up and water temperatures rise, underwater ecosystems can also be harmed. The increased runoff pollution and temperatures can also make water unsafe for swimming and fishing. Permeable surfaces, however, allow stormwater to drain and absorb naturally into the ground and soil, cooling and filtering this water before it reenters surface water ecosystems, like streams and lakes.

Clay, Cicero and Manlius commonly experience flooding issues, often in the spring and when the remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms reach the area in the fall. These areas have also seen an increase in development projects over the past decade. By incentivizing homeowners and businesses to using permeable surfaces in the construction of patios, sidewalks and driveways, we can dramatically improve overall water quality and reduce the impact of flooding, noted Stirpe.

This legislation would allow homeowners and businesses to receive a tax credit for up to 50 percent of the cost of construction, for a maximum of $5,000. The bill is carried in the New York State Senate by Sen. David Carlucci (D).

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