ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced the state Environmental Facilities Corporation has awarded $638 million in grants to municipalities and public authorities for 199 water infrastructure projects across the state that protect public health or improve water quality.
Nearly $601 million in Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grants and over $37 million in additional federal subsidies will support approximately $1.6 billion in total infrastructure investment. The grants are projected to contribute over 35,000 jobs to New York’s economy and save taxpayers an estimated $1.4 billion.
“Modernizing our state’s water infrastructure is critical to ensuring every New Yorker has access to clean drinking water,” Hochul said. “Protecting the public health of New Yorkers will always be a top priority for my administration and this funding is a testament to that commitment. We will continue working collaboratively with every level of government to empower localities with the funding they need to improve water quality statewide.”
The announcement marks the largest-ever award of Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) grants. The full list of awardees and project descriptions can be found on EFC’s website, where you may also view awards by region as well as an interactive map.
“This historic level of grant funding from EFC will provide transformational benefits for 151 communities as the State implements the water quality goals championed by Governor Hochul. Grants from EFC provide relief for taxpayers and help local governments get shovels in the ground for critical projects that protect public health and the environment, create jobs, and spur economic development. EFC is poised to support many more water quality infrastructure projects through the initiatives in the enacted State Budget and the infusion of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman stated.
“New York State is making generational investments to help build more resilient communities that are better prepared to meet the challenges of climate change by supporting upgrades and improvements to water infrastructure in municipalities across the state. With Governor Hochul’s sustained commitment to safeguarding water quality, DEC is helping to advance projects essential to providing access to clean drinking water, protecting water supplies, and promoting continued economic growth,” Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos explained.
“Replacing outdated infrastructure and implementing treatment for emerging contaminants in New York State’s public drinking water systems are critical components of ensuring equity in public health. Communities that have born the brunt of decades-old industry pollution or historical neglect are utilizing these funds to help offset project costs and tackle the larger issues of clean water delivery,” Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett noted.
Highlights of the 199 projects funded in this round of grants include:
More than $426 million was awarded for drinking water projects; awards for eligible projects that treat emerging contaminants will fund 60 percent of project costs
More than $220 million has been awarded to improve drinking water systems and an additional $206 million to projects that treat emerging contaminants. Eligible projects that address emerging contaminants above the State determined Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) are being awarded 60% of net eligible project costs. EFC has awarded more than $21.8 million to Capital Region municipalities.
The investment is projected to contribute 1,741 jobs to the Capital Region economy and save Capital Region localities an estimated $51.9 million. Examples of these projects include:
• Averill Park Central School District, $90,000 for the effective treatment of drinking water at Algonquin Middle School.
• Rensselaer County $307,250.
• Schodack $709,200.
• Troy $3,000,000.
• Saratoga County $5,087,500
• Albany County MWFA $3,000,000 and $725,000.
“I am proud to have delivered the federal funds for these projects across New York from fixing our wastewater systems in Buffalo and Chemung County to replacing dangerous lead pipes in Rochester. Access to clean drinking water is a right, and I will continue to fight tooth and nail to keep our water systems flowing, jobs growing, and New Yorkers safe and healthy,” U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
“Cleaning up New York’s water and protecting our communities from harmful contaminants like PFAS has been a priority of mine since I began serving New York’s 19th Congressional District in Congress. I’m glad to see major investments in upstate New York’s water infrastructure which will help improve public health, contribute jobs to our economy, and save folks money. I will keep working to ensure all New Yorkers have access to clean drinking water,” U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado added.
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