New York announces $265 million for water infrastructure projects

Date: 26/08/2024   UTC/GMT -5.00 

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Board of Directors approved $265 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across the state. The Board's approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects. Of the project funding approved today, $30 million in grants from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will help 30 communities across the state to inventory lead service lines in drinking water systems, a vital first step for starting replacement projects and protecting public health.

“Improving our water infrastructure is essential for building safe and healthy New York communities,” Governor Hochul said. “This financial assistance makes all the difference in being able to provide safe drinking water to New Yorkers, protect our natural resources, and ensure the projects are successful and affordable.”

The Board approved grants and financings to local governments from BIL, the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), and grants already announced under the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program. Leveraging BIL funding with the State’s investments will continue to empower local communities to make critical system improvements to safeguard public health, protect the environment, bolster communities’ climate readiness, and promote economic development. BIL funding for water and sewer infrastructure is administered by EFC through the State Revolving Funds.

Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s sustained commitment to making generational investments and bolstering efforts to replace lead service lines and address pollution, communities statewide are taking steps to ensure access to safe drinking water and modernize aging wastewater systems. Today’s announcement of $265 million for water infrastructure projects provides critical funding for municipalities making upgrades to address lead service lines and other threats to clean water and public health.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The State’s more than $265 million investment announced today will provide local municipalities with the resources they need to design and implement essential water infrastructure improvements statewide. I applaud Governor Hochul’s sustained, generational investments to improve New York State’s water infrastructure and EFC’s ongoing assistance to small and disadvantaged communities to help address historic inequities, further safeguard public health, benefit the environment, and strengthen local economies.”

Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Access to clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to protecting public health. Governor Hochul’s investment in reducing lead service lines in community drinking water systems and upgrading aging wastewater systems is a huge step toward reducing risks to public health today and in the future.”