Construction groups praise the rule but environmental organizations strongly oppose it, with lawsuits expected.

Legislation has mix of increases and cuts for infrastructure programs, but positive tax and other non-spending provisions.

Agreement with Lehigh Cement and Lehigh White also calls for $12 million for pollution-control upgrades at 11 plants including one in New York state.

Some view plan as modest improvement from 1991 rule, but critics say it weakens current protections.

Projects include $1.6-billion cover for Hillview Reservoir in Yonkers.