MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. — The $150 million investment that New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced to replace Mount Vernon, N.Y.’s “aging water and sewage infrastructure, improve quality of life and public health” is a landmark victory for the community and will start to address the environmental injustices the community has faced due to decades of racial inequalities and inaction. The National Wildlife Federation and other environmental organizations worked with community leaders to advocate for this action and applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership. 

The governor announced the funding at the Mount Vernon City Hall and state, county and local officials also signed a memorandum of understanding to further signify their commitment. In addition to the Governor’s Office, the funding was made possible by numerous entities including the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, EPA Region two and various elected officials. 

The National Wildlife Federation’s Environmental Justice Team, with the assistance of the Federation’s Northeast Regional Center, and Environmental Advocates NY, had a direct impact on this collaborative effort due to many months of partnership and resource building efforts. During the press conference, Mount Vernon Mayor Patterson-Howard personally thanked the efforts of the National Wildlife Federation and NRDC. Following the press conference, the mayor mentioned how instrumental the National Wildlife Federation Environmental Justice Team had been throughout the process. All parties involved recognized that this is a large amount, but continued partnerships and fund raising is required to fully address the issues and make Mount Vernon a more sustainable community.