LENOX, MADISON COUNTY -- Surrounded by residents of the Town of Lenox, in northern Madison County, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced he is working with the U.S. Department Of Agriculture in trying to secure funding for a major water pipeline.
Senator Schumer says nearly 300 homes in that part of the town only have access to wells, which are contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria. As a result, many of the residents are forced to buy bottled water.
Senator Schumer is calling on the Department of Agriculture to help finance the construction of a ten mile water line, which will connect the rural neighbor to the Onondaga County Water Authority.
The project is expected to cost $3.5 million. Senator Schumer hopes to cut that price in half through the use of federal grants and low interest loans.
Also, Senator Schumer called on Saudi Arabia to increase oil production in the face of further threats from Iran.
Iran is cutting off oil shipments to France and Great Britain in an escalation of a dispute over the middle eastern country's nuclear program. As a result, crude oil prices have jumped to a 9 month high of nearly $105 a barrel.
Senator Schumer feels if Saudi Arabia increases production, the price could come down. Failing that, Senator Schumer would call upon President Obama to tap into the strategic oil reserve.
