As $4.2 billion is being provided through the Environmental Bond Act, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to ensure the Hudson Valley region receives the proper investment to protect its natural resources.

Lakes all around the 94th Assembly District including Lake Carmel, Palmer Lake and Tonetta Lake have been plagued by Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in recent years, and although there were efforts made in 2018 to combat them, there has been no additional funding since. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency’s new limits on PFAS chemicals will have an immediate impact on local drinking water systems. Addressing these environmental issues not only protects public health but also prevents potential liabilities and costly remediation efforts for property owners.

“It is time for New York state to make important investments in the Hudson Valley that address the needs of its natural resources and ease the crushing burden on property owners. I strongly urge the governor to not let the Environmental Bond Act be another missed opportunity,” said Slater.

“The Environmental Bond Act must prioritize the protection and investment in our natural resources, especially in the Hudson Valley region. Lakes like Carmel, Palmer and Tonetta have suffered from Harmful Algal Blooms and face threats from PFAS chemicals. It’s imperative that New York state seizes this opportunity to address these environmental challenges and alleviate the burdens on property owners. These issues have been ignored by Albany for too long,” said Michael Cazzari, Town of Carmel supervisor.

“As the town supervisor of Putnam Valley, I have seen firsthand the damage of Harmful Algal Blooms and its effect on our lakes. Lakes like Lake Peekskill in Putnam Valley have been burdened in many ways due to the damaging impact of HABs making this once vibrant recreational lake unusable for the past three summers. The effects of HABs extend far beyond the aesthetic and recreational aspects of Lake Peekskill. Additionally, the contamination of Lake Peekskill poses a significant threat to Peekskill Hollow Brook, which feeds into the drinking water supply of the City of Peekskill. State funding is desperately needed. Assemblyman Slater’s request highlights the urgent need for funding to mitigate and prevent HABs in Lake Peekskill and similar bodies of water across our state. Putnam Valley supports and encourages Assemblyman Slater’s request to the governor to ensure lakes within the 94^th Assembly District are adequately funded through the Environmental Bond Act,” said Jacqueline Annabi.

“I would like to thank Assemblyman Slater for his continued understanding and support of the issues affecting my community. Putnam Lake lies in the headwaters of the East Branch Reservoir of the New York City Water Supply. In 2023, Putnam Lake experienced its worst year ever with Harmful Algal Blooms. These blooms affect not only Putnam Lake but downstream waters as well. Without the state’s aid and financial support to address these long-standing Harmful Algal Blooms, Putnam Lake will be forced to continue reliance on chemical solutions, which are hit and miss at best,” said Richard Williams, Town of Patterson supervisor.

“The Hudson Valley region has been hit hard by storms in the last year or two. There needs to be an action plan that helps with the resiliency of our infrastructure as well as the repair of what was damaged during the storms. As one of the highest tax areas in the state, there needs to be a reconciliation that diverts some of these resources back into our community for these important projects,” said Ed Lachterman, Town of Yorktown deputy supervisor.