TROY, NY (WRGB) — The Troy City Council has unanimously approved a bond that authorizes the issuance of over $12 million in funds to replace lead pipes.
While this is a crucial step forward, a key problem remains unresolved.
MORE:Frustration in Troy over unused funds for lead pipes, officials cite state restrictions
Under current state law, tax revenues may not be used for private property.
On Thursday evening, the council asked the state legislature to declare a public health emergency in the city of Troy in addition to a bond resolution.
Mayor Carmella Mantello explains that this constitutional problem is preventing bond advisors from approving it.
“Someone will say and challenge, well, who would sue to use money to replace lead pipes? That would be ridiculous, we all want clean water. But for the people who may have paid money out of their own pocket that has already taken care of their lead problem, it could become a problem if one of those people comes forward and challenges it.”
The mayor says the city has identified 1,400 homes that have lead pipes, and nearly 300 of them have been replaced since 2023.
When comparing 2023 municipal water quality reports from various cities across the state, Troy had the highest levels of lead in its drinking water samples, more than twice the EPA's action limit.
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