To know the impact pavement has on our local streams and rivers, all you have to do is look at the street during a rainstorm. That’s when you can see water flowing fast along the curb, grabbing debris and carrying it all toward our waterways.

Every day in New York, roughly 27 billion gallons of precipitation run off our land into surface waters, often dragging along pollution and warming the water to temperatures unsafe for native animal life.¹ When inclement weather and storms occur, the problem is made even worse – a fact we’ve seen too often in places like Clay, Cicero and Manlius.

That’s why I’m working on a way to reduce run off and flooding, while keeping our waterways clean, simply by encouraging the broader use of permeable surfaces. Recently, I introduced legislation in the Assembly establishing a tax credit for the use of permeable surfaces in the construction of sidewalks, driveways and parking lots (A.8383). The legislation would allow homeowners and businesses to receive a tax credit for up to 50 percent of the cost of construction of surfaces that absorb stormwater runoff, for a maximum of $5,000.

By incentivizing homeowners and businesses to opt for these permeable surfaces in construction, instead of impermeable ones, we can dramatically reduce the impact of flooding and improve water quality.

Building with permeable surfaces like porous pavement, stone or recycled materials is just one of the steps we can take to reduce the potential for flooding, decrease pollution from runoff, and help protect the health of our waterways. Other steps include landscaping with water absorbent plants, composting our yard waste, sweeping our driveway rather than hosing, recycling used motor oil and antifreeze, and regularly checking our cars for leaks.

Fresh water is one of Upstate New York’s greatest resources, and our pristine waterways truly contribute to our quality of life. It’s important that we work together to protect this water for future generations. If you have questions or concerns about this or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115.

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