Troy Leaders Unite to Address Lead Pipe Issue
In a show of bipartisan unity, Troy City leaders have come together to tackle the pressing issue of lead pipe removal in the city. At a recent city council meeting covered by NEWS10, residents and officials discussed the urgent need to address the public health crisis caused by lead pipes in Troy.
One concerned resident at City Hall emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a public health crisis, and it needs to be treated as such.” Mayor Carmella Mantello echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the city’s commitment to eliminating lead pipes throughout Troy. City Council President Sue Steele also expressed unwavering support for swift action, declaring, “We are united in wanting to get the lead out of the pipes as quickly as possible.”
Federal Aid Secured for Lead Pipe Removal
The city of Troy has been awarded nearly 13 million dollars in federal aid to assist in the removal of lead pipes. While this funding is a significant step towards addressing the issue, city officials face the challenge of not being able to use it to replace privately owned parts of the pipes.
In a proactive move, city leaders voted unanimously to move forward with the lead pipe removal efforts. City Council President Sue Steele emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re asking the Attorney General, we’re asking the State Comptroller, we’re asking the State Legislature to declare a Public Health Emergency. We’re throwing it out there, somebody please answer our questions.”
Pursuing Legislative Support for Lead Pipe Removal
Mayor Mantello has called on New York lawmakers to declare a Public Health Emergency, allowing for the use of public funds to address lead pipes in private households. This legislative support is crucial in expediting the removal of toxic metals from the city’s infrastructure.
Mantello highlighted the progress made in identifying and addressing lead pipes in Troy, with over half of the city’s households accounted for and 6,500 participating in the removal efforts. She emphasized the city’s use of advanced technology like artificial intelligence to target the remaining households and ensure comprehensive lead pipe removal.
Ensuring Water Quality Amid Lead Pipe Removal
While the lead pipe removal process will take time, Mayor Mantello assured residents that the water quality in Troy remains unaffected. She emphasized that the city’s aging infrastructure is the root cause of the lead pipe issue and reiterated that Troy’s water is safe for consumption.
Mantello revealed that nearly 300 lead lines have been successfully removed in Troy, with plans to complete another 100 by the end of the year. She emphasized the city’s readiness to proceed with the bonding process, which will enable the executive branch to sell bonds for funding the lead pipe removal efforts.
As Troy leaders continue to work towards eliminating lead pipes from the city’s infrastructure, the community can rest assured that their health and safety remain a top priority. Through bipartisan cooperation and legislative support, Troy is taking decisive action to address the lead pipe issue and safeguard the well-being of its residents.