LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the signing
of the Pure Waters Bond Act on May 12, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious achievements made by this body for the State of New York
whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of
life in our communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Pure Waters Bond Act;
and
WHEREAS, Governor Nelson Rockefeller and the Legislature recognized
that many of our waterways were littered with untreated human waste,
industrial chemicals and agricultural runoff; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature passed the Pure Waters Bond Act on May 5,
1965, and it was signed into law on May 12, 1965, giving the voters of
New York State final say on its adoption in November of 1965; and
WHEREAS, 81 percent of New Yorkers voted in favor of the Pure Waters
Bond Act that paid for needed sewage treatment facilities that helped to
provide clean water for decades; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Pure Waters Bond Act of 1965 was a model
for the nation, inspiring the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972, which
mandated tough controls on municipal and industrial waste and provided
billions of dollars of Federal aid; and
WHEREAS, The Pure Waters Bond Act was used as a model for the Clean
Water and Clean Air Bond Act of 1996 that was signed into law by Gover-
nor George Pataki, furthering investment into the protection of our
environment and natural resources; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to pay tribute to Governor Nelson Rockefeller and
the Legislature; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when legisla-
tive achievements of such noble aims and accomplishment are brought to
our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citi-
zens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Pure Waters Bond Act of 1965 on
May 12, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Governor Nelson Rockefeller.