Cuomo Noncommittal on $5B Enviro Bond Proposal

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he hasn't yet seen the new legislative proposal to fund statewide environmental projects through a $5 billion environmental bond.

Talking to reporters Thursday after announcing state aid for flood-damaged residents of the Mohawk Valley, the governor says he's heard of the bond proposal, but hasn't looked at it.

The measure would authorize state borrowing for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure repairs and upgrades and expanded air pollution controls. It was introduced last week by Sen. Mark Grisanti and on Monday by Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, who chair the Legislature's two environmental conservation committees.

The bonding would be subject to voter approval in November 2014.

Sweeney says funds from the 1996 environmental bond act have been exhausted and far more work was needed even before recent storm damage.