News
Otis Announces Expanded $2.5 Billion for Clean Water Programs in NYS Budget
The State Budget, which passed this weekend, provides a $2.5 billion commitment for a variety of clean water programs including expansion of the municipal grant program initiated by Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-Rye) in 2015.
“Governor Cuomo’s $2.5 billion Clean Water Act places New York at the forefront of a multi-pronged approach to address the diverse drinking water and water quality challenges across our state,” said Otis. “I am very pleased that the municipal grant program we began in 2015 will be expanded and continued with over $1 billion allocated for municipal projects over the next five years.”
Facing Staggering Clean Water Repair Costs, Unlikely Coalition Calls for $800 Million in State Public Works Grants and Assistance
Joining an unlikely coalition of construction executives, union officials and conservationists, a group of local municipal officials and state lawmakers gathered today at Hommocks Conservation area in Mamaroneck to focus attention on the critically needed clean water infrastructure projects in Mamaroneck, New Rochelle and surrounding communities.
“The success of the clean water infrastructure grant program in its first two years underscores the enormous need for state funds to make critical water quality projects affordable for local governments and taxpayers,” said Assemblyman Steve Otis, who helped initiate the program in the State Assembly. “With the strong support of Governor Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Heastie we have already enabled over $1 billion in water projects to move forward. We need to continue to increase and expand this vital program, which creates jobs, cleans our environment and lowers property taxes.”
Steve Otis’ Bill Improving Openness and Accountability of Business Improvement Districts is Signed into Law
By signing this bill into law, the Governor has taken positive steps to improve the accountability of Business Improvement Districts to the property owners and tenants who comprise the membership of a BID,” said Otis. “Given the quasi-public nature of BIDs, it is important that BID activities be conducted in an open manner. This law codifies what should be the practice of any BID – that it provide its members with timely information about meetings, proposed expenditures and other BID policy decisions.
Legislators Announce State Construction Grant for New Rochelle Library
Local legislators announce State construction grant for New Rochelle library. The New Rochelle Public Library will receive $93,487 to upgrade its HVAC system,
Assemblyman Steve Otis, who serves on the Assembly Libraries and Education Technology and Education Committees, is a strong advocate for public libraries and has fought to increase library construction funding in the state budget. “These state grants are vital in making our libraries more efficient and inviting spaces for residents to enjoy,” said Otis.
Otis and Latimer Announce State Construction Grant Awards to Larchmont and Rye Libraries
The Larchmont Public Library has been awarded $22,557 to construct two fully ADA compliant bathrooms in the main library building, while the Rye Free Reading Room will receive $19,350 for energy efficiency upgrades to replace florescent lighting with LED lights and install spray foam insulation in the library’s attic.
“These state grants are vital in making our libraries more efficient and inviting spaces for residents to enjoy,” said Otis. “By utilizing state funds for library infrastructure projects, we protect local property taxpayers from bearing the costs of these necessary improvements.”
Assemblyman Otis Announces Passage of Bill to Improve Identification of Unknown Dead and Missing Persons
Assemblyman Otis stated, “By requiring all medical examiners in New York to report identifying information on unidentified remains to NamUs, the bill will increase the probability that human remains can be identified. This will not only assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes, but most importantly, help to bring closure to families who are coping with the tragic disappearance of a loved one.”
Assemblymen Steve Otis and John McDonald Interviewed on Budget Deal Expanding Fund to $425 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements
Assemblymen Steve Otis and John McDonald interviewed on budget deal that expands fund to $425 million for water infrastructure improvements thereby enabling projects to go forward by making them more affordable.
Larchmont starts work on $1.6M baseball complex
A $1.6 million baseball complex project at Lorenzen Park in Larchmont will begin later this month and is expected to be operational by this time next year.
LARCHMONT – By this time next year, baseball in the village could be played on a new, $1.6 million baseball complex at Lorenzen Park.
The complex will include a softball field and a baseball field with underground drainage, electronic scoreboards, a concession stand, spectator seating and a paved parking area.
The funding for the project was raised by Fields for Kids, a community-based organization that advocates and raises money for playing fields in Larchmont and Mamaroneck. New York State Assemblyman Steve Otis secured a $250,000 grant.
Steve Otis Honored with Maryanne Sullivan Award
Steve Otis was named the 2016 recipient of LMCTV’s Maryanne Sullivan Award for Overall Achievement in Community Television. The award was presented at LMCTV’s 26th Annual Award Night.
Steve Otis Sponsors Program to pay 25% of Sewer Upgrades
A state grant program doubled from $200 million to $400 million this year may be able to help Westchester communities fix cracked underground sewer pipes.
Under the program, municipalities can apply to the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation for grants for specific projects. If the application is accepted, the state would fund 25 percent of the project’s cost.