Delaware Aqueduct shutdown delayed

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on June 28 announced a schedule change for planned work on the Delaware Aqueduct, the world’s longest tunnel, with the major work completing the project now scheduled to start in October 2024.

In March, the aqueduct was temporarily shut down and partially drained for two weeks as part of a planned test—the first such shutdown and draining of the aqueduct in 70 years. Data collected during that shutdown showed that groundwater was infiltrating the aqueduct faster than originally projected when the tunnel was not at full capacity. To account for this additional infiltration, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety workers, DEP will be securing and installing additional equipment, which will push back the start of the full shutdown by one year.

High-speed internet push in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is working toward bringing reliable, high-speed internet for all, along with advancing support and resources to improve digital access and skills to increase economic and social opportunities for all residents, according to a statement.

To ensure equitable connectivity for all Pennsylvanians, the PBDA has launched a public survey to hear from residents across Pennsylvania. Participation is necessary to help guide where upcoming funding should be focused to meet needs of individuals and the community. The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/PA_BCDA.  

On June 26, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that the commonwealth will receive more than $1.16 billion in federal funding to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas, to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has access to affordable, high-speed internet. 

The funding is coming to Pennsylvania through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and is part of President Biden’s Internet for All initiative. The BEAD funding will be used to extend broadband infrastructure to areas of the commonwealth that currently lack access to reliable, high-speed internet.

Shawangunk Ridge scoping session

SHAWANGUNK RIDGE, NY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking public input to improve recreational opportunities and natural resource protection through a revision to the existing Shawangunk Ridge Unit Management Plan (UMP) at a meeting on Monday, July 17 in Wurtsboro. Originally adopted in January 2017, the UMP encompasses approximately 6,810 acres of publicly owned lands located within Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Mamakating Town Hall, located at 2948 Rte. 209 in Wurtsboro. Following a short presentation, DEC staff will be available to answer questions and to accept public comments.

AED legislation heads to PA Senate

HARRISBURG, PA — Sen. Rosemary Brown’s (R-40) bill requiring schools to have an automatic external defibrillator (AED) present at all schools and athletic events was approved this week by the Senate Education Committee. Senate Bill 375 would require a detailed emergency plan in case of cardiac arrest, and an AED to be located within each school building, at school sporting events and activities. 

PA Senate passes guardianship legislation

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Senate has passed Senate Bill 506, legislation to strengthen guardianship laws in Pennsylvania by requiring courts to automatically appoint counsel to individuals undergoing the guardianship process; to consider other, less-restrictive alternatives before imposing a guardianship; and to institute training and screening of professional guardians. The bill would also establish a more robust review process for those currently in a guardianship and requires the court to establish procedures to prevent individuals from staying in the system if their incapacity or circumstances change.

“Senate Bill 506 builds upon our prior work to add essential protections for vulnerable individuals, and incorporates professional and public input to strengthen its provisions, and to make our intent crystal clear,” said Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Art Haywood (D-4). 

News and Brews returns on July 20

NARROWSBURG, NY — News and Brews, an informal gathering of neighbors to talk about local news, will meet on July 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Blue Fox Motel. Email publisher@riverreporter.com to reserve your place.