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AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko today celebrated $16,210,000 in new federal funding to New York waterways delivered through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make needed repairs, replace outdated equipment, and improve resiliency for the Hudson River and the New York-New Jersey Channels. These critical investments go hand in glove with Tonko’s work to restore the region’s waterways through his New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act.

“I have long spoken on the critical importance of our waterways, not only as beloved places in our community, but as drivers of economic growth and environmental protection,” Congressman Tonko said. “This tranche of funding delivered through our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be invaluable in bolstering our waterways, making them more resilient to the effects of climate change and preserving these crucial channels for generations to come. I’m pushing hard in Congress to build on this bill’s critical work with my New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act and look forward to continuing this fight to support our historic waterways and ensure they continue to serve as economic resources to our region.”

For years Tonko has championed the effort to restore and protect New York’s waterways. Most recently, he questioned local experts and delivered remarks on his New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act during a Natural Resources subcommittee hearing in mid-January to emphasize the importance of this legislation for preserving the environmental and economic health of the Hudson and Mohawk River regions.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into law in November 2021, contains $1.2 trillion in funding to address America’s pressing infrastructure needs. This latest funding announcement includes millions for New York, including $11.71 million for dredging and surveys in the New York and New Jersey Channels, as well as $4.5 million to repair broken mooring structures and replace antiquated controls in the Hudson River waterway.

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