Capitol Watch: Sewage Spills Draw Attention

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — In New York state government news, sewage overflows in Niagara Falls highlight a statewide infrastructure problem, a longtime assemblyman is retiring after 42 years in office and a former Syracuse mayor is nominated to head the Thruway Authority.

The group Environmental Advocates of New York says nearly 336 million gallons of sewage have been discharged into New York waterways since mid-May. But that didn't make headlines like the Niagara Falls discharge that spread a smelly plume at the tourist site.

Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos says water quality around the state is among Gov. Andrew Cuomo's top priorities. The Democratic governor has focused resources on wastewater issues in small communities.

In other news, Assemblyman Herman "Denny" Farrell is retiring and Matthew Driscoll is nominated to head the Thruway Authority.