New York state is again the beneficiary of billions of dollars in financial settlement money and environmental groups say a good chunk of it should go toward the state's aging water and sewer systems.
Environmental Advocates of New York, the Adirondack Council and several other environmental groups launched a campaign Tuesday to urge leaders in Albany to devote at least $800 million next year toward the cost of repairing and upgrading the state's water infrastructure.
They say the state is sitting on $2 billion in unbudgeted settlement funds that could help address the problem.
Estimates are that New York will need to spend nearly $80 billion over the next 20 years to maintain its drinking water and sewer systems.
Lawmakers will begin work on the state's new budget next month.
© 2015 AP
