Notes Continuing Commitment to Upstate Region; Investments in Infrastructure, Environment

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz issued the following statement regarding the 2015 -16 New York State Budget Agreement recently announced by Governor Cuomo and NYS Legislature leaders:

“I commend Governor Cuomo and the NYS Legislature for working to pass an on-time budget that includes funding to continue the revitalization of upstate NY while investing in the infrastructure necessary to bring more business to New York. Part of that revitalization and investment includes the extension of high-speed broadband access across the state, which will bring millions more residents into the online commons, especially from underserved and unserved communities. Moreover, increased investments in the Environmental Protection Fund and the extension of the Brownfields Cleanup Program underline Albany’s commitment to protecting and conserving our natural resources while being responsible stewards of our environmental legacy. At the western end of the state here on Lake Erie, we are very cognizant of the need to protect these resources for future generations, and that need is reflected in the priorities of this budget. Additionally, having borne the brunt of a difficult winter that featured large amounts of lake-effect snow, the inclusion of $50 million in local capital aid for infrastructure repair due to the extreme winter is very welcome. I thank Governor Cuomo and his partners in the NYS Legislature for their action and attention to our region.”