Nassau Standard

Senator Steve Rhoads is spearheading efforts to address the issue of affordable water on Nassau's South Shore. Rhoads highlighted the lack of funding provided to the South Nassau Water Authority by the State, stating, "Years ago, the South Nassau Water Authority was created by the State for the very purpose of investigating and negotiating the cost of a potential public takeover of Liberty Water, but was provided no funding by the State to do that work."

Despite the importance of the Authority's work, Governor Hochul vetoed funding for it in 2022, as Rhoads pointed out, "Governor Hochul actually vetoed funding and refused repeated requests for funding for the South Nassau Water Authority to be included in the State Budget." This has motivated Rhoads to take action, saying, "That's why I am fighting for YOU!"

Rhoads introduced bill S.5173B to push for State funding for the South Nassau Water Authority, emphasizing the need for more affordable water in the region, "I have introduced bill S.5173B to force the State to fund the South Nassau Water Authority to take meaningful steps towards more affordable water."

Drawing attention to the disparity in water costs, Rhoads highlighted that Liberty Water ratepayers currently face significantly higher costs compared to Town of Hempstead Water Department customers, with some paying up to "1,300% more for water." He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The time for ACTION is NOW!"

In a call to action, Rhoads urged residents to join the cause, declaring, "MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Please sign my petition NOW so together we can tell the Governor to include my bill S.5173B in the State Budget and continue our fight for a better, more affordable, public water supplier on Nassau's South Shore!"