Bill > S03442

This bill establishes an East of Hudson watershed road salt reduction task force to comprehensively review road salt contamination and develop best practices for managing roadways, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks in portions of Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties that drain into the New York City reservoir system. The task force will consist of 14 members, including state commissioners and appointed experts in fields like engineering, hydrology, and public health, who will conduct a detailed assessment of road salt's environmental and infrastructural impacts. By December 2026, the task force must submit a report to state leadership that includes findings on salt contamination sources, current winter road management practices, and recommendations for reducing salt usage while maintaining public safety. These recommendations will cover enhanced maintenance practices, rapid response to water contamination, worker training, public education, record-keeping, and a potential pilot program to test reduced salt application methods. Following the report, the departments of Transportation and Environmental Conservation will review the recommendations and potentially implement a road salt pilot program, with local governments invited to participate. The program will involve water sampling, testing alternative road treatment techniques, and monitoring environmental and safety outcomes, with a summary report due by August 2030. The entire initiative is set to expire five years after the pilot program's completion.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3442