ICYMI: Virtual Forums Planned On New York American Water Study

ALBANY, NY — Three virtual public forums are planned this month to gather comments on the possibility of a public takeover of the private water utility, Governor Andrew Cuomo's office announced in a news release on Tuesday.

The forums have been scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23 for the Sea Cliff area; Wednesday, Feb. 24, for the East Massapequa area; and Thursday, Feb. 25 for the southwest Nassau County area. Cuomo ordered Special Counsel for Ratepayer Protection Rory Lancman at the Department of Public Service finish the municipalization feasibility study by April 1.

The move comes as the department is reviewing the $600 million sale of the utility company to another private company, Liberty Utilities Co. in Canada, which has "triggered strong local interest in reviewing options for potential public takeover of the system," Cuomo's office said.

The utility company services homes along the south shore from East Rockaway to Seaford, as well as Sea Cliff, Glenhead, Glenwood Landing on the north shore, and parts of Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Levittown, Hempstead, Old Brookville, Oyster Bay, Glen Cove, and Roslyn Harbor.

Several municipalities, including Sea Cliff and Massapequa, have said that it's feasible to take over parts of the New York American Water system, according to his office. Just last week, Town of Hempstead officials called on a publicly-financed takeover, but the idea was quashed by Lancman.

Cuomo said that the utility's customers have been "unfairly faced with the continued threat of ever-increasing rates" for too long.

"Access to running water is a basic human right, and New York State has launched an all-out effort to thoroughly study every available option to reduce customer costs for this vital resource — including a public takeover of New York American Water," he said. "These public forums will better inform our decisions as we move forward with this process and work to secure access to clean, safe and affordable water for the residents of Long Island."

Lancman said the forums will give ratepayers the chance to communicate their concerns and share ideas for improving water delivery, so that the state can make "an informed decision" in the long-term.

Department of Public Service Chief Executive Officer John Rhodes called the forums "essential next steps in looking for solutions" to customers critical concerns. "Lowering the cost of good, safe water is of prime importance to New Yorkers, and the Department needs to use all available tools to achieve that," he said.

Sign-in details for the public forums may be obtained by visiting the Public Service Department's Documents section at www.dps.ny.gov, and entering Case Number 20-W-0102 in the input box, which is labeled Search for Case/Matter Number.

Alex Costello contributed additional reporting to this story.