Protecting Public Health: Buttenschon Advocates for Continued Lead Pipe Removal & Clean Water Infrastructure in the Mohawk Valley
Utica, NY – Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) proudly reaffirms her support for the Mohawk Valley Water Authority (MVWA) as it seeks additional grant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Lead Service Line Replacement (BIL-LSLR) program, a vital initiative to remove all lead service lines from the region’s drinking water system.
In 2024, thanks to a letter of support from Assemblywoman Buttenschon, the MVWA successfully secured $9 million in grant funding and an additional $3.8 million in interest-free financing for its lead pipe replacement program. These funds are currently being used to help MVWA comply with the federal mandate to remove all lead service lines by 2037, a critical public health goal with an estimated project cost of $60 million.
“Ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water is not optional, it is a fundamental right,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “The MVWA has taken meaningful steps toward protecting our families from lead exposure, and I’m proud to continue standing with them in their 2025 funding application. Every dollar we secure brings us closer to a healthier, safer Mohawk Valley.”
The MVWA is once again applying for BIL-LSLR funding, the final year this funding will be available. Assemblywoman Buttenschon has provided an updated letter of support, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in public health infrastructure.
“This project is about more than pipes. It’s about protecting our children, strengthening our communities, and building trust in the essential systems that serve us every day,” Buttenschon added.
As part of the Assembly’s commitment to this issue, $100 million has been proposed in this year’s state budget specifically for the replacement of lead drinking water service lines. Buttenschon has been a strong advocate for including this funding and ensuring that communities like those in the Mohawk Valley are prioritized.
The Lead Service Line Replacement effort is essential to meet the requirements of the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, which mandates the full removal of lead pipes within ten years of the rule’s effective date. The MVWA’s proactive application for additional funding reflects its continued leadership and commitment to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to the region.
“If there’s anything further my office can do to support MVWA’s efforts, we are ready to help,” said Buttenschon. “This is an investment in the future of our public health, and one we cannot afford to miss.”
