“Today, the citizens of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how we live by repairing long neglected city infrastructure and improving conditions in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Ron Kim announced as he introduced his Infrastructure Task Force this week.
“In the coming months and years, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIB) will distribute $1.2 trillion dollars to states, local communities like Saratoga Springs, and public/private partnerships to rebuild our nation in a sustainable and equitable manner. If we as a local community don’t organize and use our human resources to maximize our benefits from BIB, this opportunity could pass us by.
“That is why, with the help of the City Council, City Supervisors, and former Mayor Joanne Yepsen, I created an Infrastructure Task Force to review the City’s infrastructure needs, the provisions of this massive new law, and how Saratoga Springs can benefit from this unprecedented opportunity.
“Under the direction of former Mayor Yepsen, the task force is staffed by Deputy Mayor Angela Rella and Administrator of Parks, Open Lands, Historic Preservation and Sustainability Tina Carton. Additionally we have recruited the following impressive group of Saratogians appointed by members of the City Council and our City Supervisors: Laura Faulk, Erin Maciel, Carol Obloy, Daniel Rodecker, Amy Ryan, Mike Sharp, and Jason Tepper.
Off to a running start, the task force recently met to create a workplan centered around funding offered by the BIB in the following important categories: transportation, energy/climate change, water/sewer, broadband/cyber, and other opportunities.
“Moving forward, the task force will be reviewing each of these areas of funding opportunity with assistance from Congressman Tonko and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer. Additionally, task force members will also be reaching out to Saratogians throughout the City to hear what residents believe are important infrastructure projects that we ought to address.
“Finally, we will also be reviewing the City’s Capital Budget and Plan and getting input from critical institutions within the City such asSkidmore College, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Downtown Business Association, Sustainable Saratoga, Saratoga Hospital, the New York Racing Association, Saratoga Springs School District, and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to come up with a prioritized list of critical infrastructure projects that the city can pursue in the coming months.
“I urge all Saratogians to get involved in this process by attending the Infrastructure Task Force’s meetings. Now is the time to address the infrastructure needs of our city and rebuild and reinvest in our community. Our next meeting is on March 16, 2022 at 4 p.m. in City Hall.
“We want to hear YOUR opinions as we work together to repair and transform our beloved City in the Country.”