WASHINGTON – Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) highlighted today the inclusion of $15.78 million in critical federal funds in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 83), aimed at cleaning up the former Scotia Navy Depot in Glenville, New York. In April, Tonko joined Senator Schumer in urging both the House and Senate to fulfill the President’s original funding request for this proposal, which Congress is expected to do with the passage of this omnibus bill. The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Thursday on H.R. 83, which is also known as the “CROmnibus” and would fund the federal government through the next fiscal year.
“This long overdue funding is critical to our efforts to boost economic development in Schenectady County, and I am glad we are close to winning our fight to invest in this important cleanup effort,” said Congressman Tonko. “Local, state and federal officials have long shared a goal of redeveloping this site for expanded economic development opportunities and make it an attractive location for businesses to hire and expand locally.”
The Scotia Naval Depot was built in 1942 as a storage and supply location for naval forces along the Atlantic coast and Europe. In March 2010, at the urging of local and federal officials, the General Services Administration (GSA) acknowledged lingering environmental issues at the site that were preventing the marketability and redevelopment of the site.
In October 2011, the GSA agreed to a cleanup proposal from NYS DEC, which involves constructing a barrier to contain and clean up contaminants present in the groundwater located at the site. Under terms of the agreement, the federal government is responsible for cleaning up the environmental issues caused when the depot was in operation. Most Navy functions at the site ended after the Vietnam War.
In April, local leaders stressed the importance of the Scotia Navy Depot cleanup:
Tony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “Schenectady County can always count on Senator Schumer and Congressman Tonko. Both have pushed hard to get the GSA to clean up the former Scotia Navy Depot because it’s the right thing for the federal government to do and because this federal funding will protect our water supply which is one of Schenectady County’s greatest assets. This cleanup will also be a major boost to our efforts to bring jobs and investment to the Glenville Business and Technology Park.”
Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authoritysaid, “We are so grateful to Senator Schumer and Congressman Tonko for their tireless efforts to clean up the former Scotia Navy Depot. This funding is critical to both our environment and our economy.”
Chris Koetzle, Glenville Town Supervisor said, “I want to thank Senator Schumer and Congressman Tonko for their leadership in helping to get this project funded. This cleanup will help us continue the county and town’s efforts to revitalize our technology park and will help ensure that we can continue its redevelopment. For years, this redevelopment has been a priority of the town and a crucial part of our economic development plan. I am glad that it’s finally moving forward.”
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Sean Magers
Communications Director
Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20)
2463 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515
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