radioNOVO News for Elmira/Corning 05-21-26

Good morning,Steuben County lawmakers have passed a six-month moratorium on all new biosolid land application permits. The immediate halt comes amid mounting local concerns over "forever chemicals," or PFAS, and their potential to contaminate regional farmland and drinking supplies. Local officials say the temporary freeze will give the state DEC time to finalize stricter public health and environmental regulations.Meanwhile, Corning city leaders are preparing to vote on a twenty-three-million-dollar budget plan that will pierce the state tax cap. The proposed spending plan features a nearly four percent tax levy increase to counter severe inflationary pressures on wages and fuel costs. City Manager Mark Ryckman warns individual tax bills may still climb due to recent citywide property revaluations.And drivers in downtown Corning need to prepare for traffic disruptions starting tomorrow morning. Officials have announced extensive, three-day street closures along five blocks of historic Market Street for the annual GlassFest celebration. The free weekend festival kicks off at noon tomorrow, featuring live glass-blowing, artisan vendors, and live music.More news on our radioNOVO app -- Codi Gaboff, radioNOVO News, a service of Seven Mountains Media.