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COHOES, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today cheered historic progress on the City of Cohoes’ Floating Solar array, a first-of-its-kind project that will install floating solar panels on the city’s reservoir. Tonko has spent years supporting and successfully pushing for funding for this project, including by securing $3 million for the project in early 2022 through the federal Community Project Funding process.

Earlier this year, the City of Cohoes finalized permits and contracts with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure this critical project is fully funded. In recent days, the Cohoes Common Council granted final approval to contract with a company to begin installation of the project, thereby completing the final steps needed before the project breaks ground.

“When the City of Cohoes brought this floating solar project to me years ago, I knew it could serve as a model for the nation on how to implement smart, clean energy systems that drive down consumer costs, and I have done everything in my power to support this pioneering project for our community,” Congressman Tonko said. “Following the success of months of advocacy to fund this worthy project through the Community Project Funding process, I continued to work alongside local leaders to ensure this project received funding and support. I am eternally grateful to the dedicated project leaders, whose years of efforts got this initiative off the ground and who worked alongside me every step of the way to get it across the finish line. I am eager to watch our communities reap the benefits of this innovative, clean, consumer-conscious project.”

“The latest developments in securing funding and awarding contracts aren't just about constructing a solar array—they signal an economic upswing for Cohoes. The Cohoes project embodies our commitment to sustainable growth, offering both environmental benefits and a boost to our local economy,” said Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler.