ALBANY – Assemblyman Clifford Crouch (R-Bainbridge) is pushing a new bill that may help local municipalities revitalize aging water, sewer, storm drains, and gas lines.

Crouch, along with his Assembly colleagues, called on the state legislature last week to create the Safe Water and Infrastructure Action Program (SWAP), which they say would help cities, towns and villages repair or replace deteriorating underground infrastructure.

Similar to the state’s existing Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), SWAP would provide annual state funding to municipalities to swap out old, deteriorating pipes and water mains.