Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) secured a preliminary $1,000,000 in funding for the New York State Department of Conservation for protecting New York’s water supply, as part of the FY 2011 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

This project serves the dual purpose of protecting New York City’s drinking water supply and supporting the economy of Catskill region. 

Rep. Engel said, “Drinking water is a precious resource and we must do all we can to protect it.  I am pleased to be able to help the process by securing funding through this legislation, and enable New York to move closer to its goal of having a protected, clean drinking water for residents of New York City, Westchester and Rockland Counties, and the entire state as a whole.”

Rep. Engel is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

This action was a preliminary step in a long process. The bill will now be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on their version of the bill.

Rep. Engel added, “While this is only the beginning of the Appropriations process, I feel very good that funding for this important program was included in this measure. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure this funding is preserved as the bill moves through the legislative process.”

###