A 2008 assessment of the costs to repair, replace and update New York's wastewater infrastructure estimated the total funding need to be $36.2 billion over a 20 year period. A similar assessment for drinking water infrastructure found a need of $38.7 billion over a 20 year period. In the past, the issuance of environmental bonds has helped to provide funding for capital projects; however, the last environmental bond act was approved in 1996.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for conserving and improving New York's natural resources, managing the State's fish, wildlife and marine resources, and controlling water, land and air pollution to enhance the health, safety and general welfare of the State's residents. The State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2013-14 State Budget provides over $900 million for the environment.

The purpose of this hearing is to examine the need for a new Environmental Bond Act and to review the DEC's implementation of programs and the overall impact of the SFY 2013-14 State Budget on the State's environmental programs.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation. Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes duration. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Robert K. Sweeney
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Environmental Conservation

Sean M. Ryan
Member of Assembly
Chair
Subcommittee on Oversight of the Department of Environmental Conservation

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the Need for a New Environmental Bond Act and the Impacts of the 2013-14 State Budget are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: