Langworthy: $9.3 Million For Nat'l Gas Work In Bath 
Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) has announced new federal funding for the Village of Bath for natural gas infrastructure and safety improvements, totaling $9,377,000.

“I’m proud to announce this significant $9.3 million investment to make critical improvements to Bath's natural gas infrastructure,” said Congressman Langworthy.“While Governor Hochul chooses to ignore federal reports that our state’s natural gas pipelines are on the brink of failure, the people of Western New York and the Southern Tier need reliable access to affordable energy now more than ever. This investment will fortify our infrastructure and guarantee families and businesses in Bath a stable and secure energy supply for generations to come.”  

From Bath Mayor Michael Sweet:  “I want to thank Congressman Langworthy for bringing this substantial $9 million dollar grant home for our Village’s natural gas utility here in Bath. “These funds are critical to advancing and re-investing in our infrastructure, so we can continue delivering safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas to homes and businesses across our community. Congressman Langworthy and I have both been vocal advocates for protecting our ratepayers while promoting American energy and natural gas in the Southern Tier.”

 

Langworthy says that these grants are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure and Safety Modernization Grant Program. The first grant of $9,288,000 will go toward a pipeline construction project to replace 11.9 miles of natural gas infrastructure. The second grant of $89,000 will go toward the acquisition of methane leak detection equipment.

 

Congressman Langworthy also says, he led a letter to Governor Hochul regarding a recent report issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) outlining New York’s failing natural gas pipelines and power grid, as well as solutions for improvement.
 

Fatal Accident In Yates County 

FROM NYSP:

On April 17, 2024, at approximately 4:06 p.m., troopers from SP Dundee responded to a two-car fatal collision on State Route 14 in the town of Starkey.

A preliminary investigation revealed a 2017 Chevy Equinox was traveling southbound on State Route 14 when it struck a 2010 GMC Sierra that was traveling northbound head-on. The operator of the Chevy, a 34-year-old male, was pronounced deceased on the scene. Mercy Flight airlifted the operator of the GMC, a 22-year-old female, to Strong Hospital for her injuries.

The New York State Police were assisted by the Collison Reconstruction Unit (CRU), the Forensic Identification Unit (FIU), the Yates County Sheriff’s Office, the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Department of Transportation, the Dundee Fire Department, and Mercy Flight.

This is an active investigation. 

 

Hammondsport School Budget Update 

The Hammondsport School Board has approved a budget proposal of $16,181.960.  Hammondsport School superintendent Kyle Bower also says he will know tax impact when he gets the approved state budget from Albany.

What Is Going On With The NYS Budget Anyways? 

On the topic of the state budget, GOP State Senator Tom O’Mara says he wishes he had more to report on the status of the budget.  "We're still in the dark here in Planet Albany.”  O’Mara also says, "it's no way to be dealing with a $237-billion budget."

 

A Former Steuben County Lawmaker Has Passed Away

Former longtime Steuben County Legislator Rich Argentieri, of Hornell, has died.  Rich Argentieri was also the long time CEO and CFO of the Hornell Erie Credit Union and a U.S. Army soldier in the early 1950’s.  Rich Argentieri was 93 years old.  He was a member of the Steuben County Legislature for several decades.

 

Let's Hear It, For K9 Bud In Bath!

Bath Police say that their police dog, K9 Bud, has done so much good work in catching drug dealers,  Bath Police have promoted K9 Bud, to the rank of Sergeant.  

"In a brief ceremony Monday evening the Bath PD K9 Bud was promoted to Sergeant for all his good work catching drug dealers in the past 2 years. Bud has a handful of large felony drug arrests attributed to himself not to include some vehicle seizures for proceeds of a crime. Bud has helped track runaway and suicidal juveniles and suspects after vehicle pursuits, etc. The deterrent effect on making drug dealers think twice is immeasurable. If he keeps up the hard work he could make Investigator in a few more years!! A long standing tradition of the K9 outranking his handler ensures respect and fair treatment. Officer Roberson our K9 Officer can attest to the world revolving around Bud. We have a picture of him eating a big piece of that peanut butter frosting cake that we will post later. Bud loves Park Cafe and so should you!!"

 

 

 

(Photos From The Bath Police FB Page) 

 

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: New York State Is Facing A Healthcare Worker Shortage, Comes Up Solution

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has announced the Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act, legislation that would address a nationwide shortage of long-term care workers.   Gillibrand says, specifically, the Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act would: Help Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) agencies retain staff and reduce vacancies and turnover by providing them with additional federal reimbursement for serving Medicaid recipients. These additional funds would allow HCBS agencies to provide higher compensation and better benefits to workers. Specifically, the bill would increase the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) by 10 percentage points for state Medicaid long-term care services.

Provide $100 billion in federal grants over 5 years to states to expand the long-term care workforce. These grants will help provide eligible individuals - including those in rural and underserved communities that are facing severe home health care worker shortages - with opportunities for education, training, and career advancement.  Improve labor protections and benefits for long-term care workers. The legislation would expand protections against wage theft, implement fair scheduling practices, ensure the right to meals and rest, and require all employers to provide paid sick time. It would also give the Secretary of Labor the authority to investigate and take action against any violations. 

 

Steuben County Lawmakers  To Meet On Monday

The Steuben County Legislature meets on Monday, April 22.  On the agenda, increasing the county landfill’s tipping fees, starting in July.  Also the county legislators will be doing a declaration of need, for the new county ambulance program.