Press Releases
Pascrell Praises Inclusion On $35m For Paterson's Sewer Infrastructure
Washington, DC,
August 2, 2007
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) praised the House of Representatives for joining him to approve a conference report that would authorize a $35 million investment in the modernization of Paterson’s aging wastewater system. “This direct federal investment in Paterson’s aging sewer system will help deliver a new standard of living and environmental quality to our neighborhoods,” stated Pascrell, who served as Paterson’s mayor from 1990-1996. Paterson’s sewer infrastructure modification was among the projects authorized in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). WRDA authorizes modifications and new projects for flood control, environmental restoration, recreation and environmental infrastructure. The legislation, which Pascrell has fought to authorize for eight years, passed overwhelmingly by a bipartisan vote of 381-40. The conference agreement is expected to be approved easily by the Senate before being sent to the President. “The environment, homeowners, and communities suffer heavily during rainfalls because Paterson doesn’t have the money to meet federal clean water standards. Pools of water accumulate in our streets and homes. Runoff pollutes the Passaic River. These are unacceptable conditions that I am proud to work with the City of Paterson towards resolving. This $35 million investment should provide an ample jumpstart for Paterson’s plans to modernize antiquated infrastructure,” continued Pascrell. On March 7, 2007, Pascrell’s Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 was approved in the House of Representatives. The legislation would help communities meet their federal clean water obligations by creating a new $1.7 billion grant program for municipalities and states to invest in aging sewer infrastructure. A companion bill offered by Senator Frank Lautenberg in the U.S. Senate is currently pending approval. “I have zeroed in on wastewater management locally and nationally because Paterson isn’t alone in its need for new water infrastructure. Aging sewer systems are a common problem in scores of older cites. I again urge the President to recognize the needs of our urban centers and sign the water resources legislation into law.” ### |