Photo: only_fabrizio / iStock / Getty Images
Syracuse and Onondaga County have received over two million dollars from the House of Representatives to remove lead pipes, which deliver water to hundreds of homes. Congressman John Mannion advocated for this funding to protect children and families from the dangers of lead poisoning. The exact number of pipes that will be replaced with this funding remains unknown.
According to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Syracuse has over 14,000 lead service pipes, posing significant health risks, especially to pregnant women and young children. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has allocated $2.6 billion in federal funding to improve water infrastructure and replace lead pipes across New York State.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh expressed gratitude for the funding, emphasizing its importance in reducing lead exposure risks. The initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize infrastructure and ensure safe drinking water. The funding is expected to have a transformative impact on Central New York in the coming years.