$129M more coming to NYS for lead replacement

LACKAWANNA, N.Y. (WIVB) — U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer came to Lackawanna on Monday afternoon to talk about lead pipe removal in New York.

According to Schumer’s office, Erie County has a backlog of more than 12,000 lead pipes. The senator says he’s been pushing for federal funding to provide municipalities the opportunity to get grants to replace them.

While here, Schumer announced that New York State is getting an additional $129 million for lead replacement, leading to a total of $350 million, with more expected.

“For decades, I have been one of the loudest voices in the room on the importance of eliminating lead pipes from our communities,” Schumer said. “I am fighting at all levels to help Western New York get the federal support they need to replace lead pipes, and am pushing future funding opportunities, including the up to $5 million in federal funding which was just applied for, to accelerate removal of lead service lines to homes across underserved areas of the county. I will not stop fighting until there are no more lead pipes in Erie County and New York State.”

According to the CDC, exposure to lead can be harmful, especially to children, resulting in brain and nervous system damage, among other problems. That’s why the EPA has new inventory requirements for water systems set to take effect on October 16.

“They look benign but they’re dangerous,” Schumer said while holding up a lead pipe.

During Monday’s conference on Willett Road, Schumer was joined by Erie County Water Authority Chairman Jerome Schad and Buffalo Water Board Chair OJ McFoy, among others.

Schumer’s appearance comes as Buffalo Water seeks to map out the city’s water service lines. Back in December, it was reported that the city did not know what kinds of material were being used for about 33,000 service lines.

McFoy said the city is actively replacing lead service lines and has been asking residents to take an online survey about the materials used in their homes.

Mayor Byron Brown said Buffalo was one of the first cities in the United States to deploy this map-based initiative.

“By sharing information about where lead pipes are located, we will help residents take the steps necessary to protect themselves from lead exposure,” Brown said.

If you’d like to see what kind of service materials are being used in your home, take a look at the map here.

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Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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