Governor Hochul Announces $638 Million in Grants for Water Infrastructure Improvements Across New York State

 

Over $206 Million Allocated to Drinking Water Projects that Treat Emerging Contaminants 

Awardees located in Capital Region, Central NY, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier and Western NY Regions 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today 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,” Governor 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.” 

Today's 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. 

Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “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.” 

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos said, “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 Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "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 off-set project costs and tackle the larger issues of clean water delivery."   

Highlights of the 199 Projects Funded in this Round of Grants Include:

More than $426 Million 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. Examples of these projects include: 

• Averill Park Central School District (Capital Region) – $90,000 for the effective treatment of drinking water at Algonquin Middle School.  
• City of Rochester (Finger Lakes) – $3 million to replace 1,110 lead service lines. 
• Water Authority of Western Nassau County (Long Island) – $31 million for four projects to remove and treat emerging contaminants.  

Over $139 Million Awarded for Wastewater Improvement Projects 

Examples of these projects include: 

• Chemung County (Southern Tier) – $25 million for a sewer district wastewater treatment plant consolidation project. The funding will support the county's efforts to combine two aging wastewater treatment plants and perform upgrades that will help meet state standards and improve the water quality by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus discharged to the Chemung River and Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 
• City of Amsterdam (Mohawk Valley) – $4.3 million for a wastewater treatment plant improvement project.