Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) successfully included funding for two of his signature issues – replacing lead-contaminated water lines and street paving – in the Assembly’s “one-house” State budget.

In the budget, which was released last week, Jacobson secured a line item of $100 million for the replacement of lead-contaminated water lines.

“There is no safe level of lead in our drinking water. This additional funding will go a long way for cities like Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, which are plagued with lead lines from century-old water systems,” said Jacobson.

Jacobson also added $50 million in the proposed budget to reimburse municipalities for ADA (Americans with Disability Act) compliance work on roadways.

“The most expensive part of paving in hamlets, villages and cities is the cost to comply with ADA rules requiring ramps at intersection walkways. A normal intersection requires 8 ramps (two on each corner). By establishing a new revenue stream, municipalities will be able to pave more with their existing funding,” noted Jacobson.

The next step in the budget process is a three-way negotiation with the Governor, Assembly, and State Senate, who have each proposed their own budget. The new State budget is due April 1.