Gillibrand: Increase Federal Funding for Water and Sewer Infrastructure

(WASHINGTON) -- U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is calling for more federal funding for New York State water and sewer infrastructure in President Obama's 2013 budget.

"As you finalize the President’s budget for Fiscal Year 2013, I respectfully request that you include at least $2.1 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $1.387 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which are critical to improving the water and sewer infrastructure of our communities," Gillibrand wrote in a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Jack Lew.

Senator Gillibrand says investing in New York's water and sewage facilities would not only lead to the provision of safe drinking water, but also to the safeguarding of public health throughout the state and the creation of jobs.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Cuomo Limits State Funds for Excessive Administrative Costs

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order to limit the amount of state funds used to cover excessive administrative costs.

Cuomo said use of state funds to over-compensate senior executives takes away the money that could be used for services to the agencies' clients.

"We must make sure that taxpayers' dollars are always used efficiently and effectively to improve the lives of New Yorkers," Cuomo said. "This Executive Order will prevent public funds from being diverted to excessive compensation and unnecessary administrative costs, and will ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used to help New Yorkers in need."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

NY Congressman Hinchey to Retire

(NEW YORK) -- New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey will formally announce on Thursday his retirement from Congress, according to Democratic insiders.

The New York Daily News reports that Democratic Rep. Hinchey, 73, will retire at the end of 2012. Hinchey has been fighting colon cancer and underwent a round of surgery last week.

Hinchey will announce his retirement at 1:00 p.m. at the Senate House State Historic Site located at 296 Fair Street in Kingston, N.Y., the site where he announced his first campaign for Congress in 1992.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Jerome Hauer Confirmed as New NY Homeland Security Boss

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- New York State now officially has a new security boss, as Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that the Senate has confirmed Jerome M. Hauer as Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

"I am honored to be confirmed by the New York State Senate and thank the Governor for this opportunity to work for the safety and security of New Yorkers," Hauer said in a statement. "Our state deserves an effective and efficient emergency service and homeland security operation that is ready to respond at a moment’s notice."

Hauer is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Hauer Group, a consulting firm that offers emergency management solutions to public and private clients worldwide, according to a release from the governor's office.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

National Weather Service Issues Wind Advisory

(SYRACUSE, N.Y.) -- The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for all of southern New England, including Massachusetts and much of New York State, that will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The advisory warns of strong west and northwest winds. The winds could reach speeds of 20 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts of 50 mph.

Truck drivers, and other drivers of large vehicles, are urged to practice caution.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio