Governor Hochul Announces $78 Million for Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Projects

 

Proposed $847 Million Bond Sale is Projected to Save $149 Million for New York City Ratepayers

Financial Assistance for New York City Includes Additional $50 Million for an Ongoing Drinking Water Project

Approximately $8 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Will Support Projects in the Capital Region and Southern Tier

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved $78 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects in the Capital Region, Finger Lakes, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier and Western New York regions. These investments will help communities large and small undertake projects that are vital to public health, quality of life, economic development and environmental protection.

“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's approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and grants already announced pursuant to the State’s Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grant (IMG) programs. Funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for water and sewer infrastructure is administered by EFC through the State Revolving Funds. The Board's approval authorizes municipal access to capital to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects.

Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Governor Hochul's commitment to clean water is demonstrated yet again with today’s significant investment, on the heels of announcing $325 million for State water grants earlier this week. We are making strategic improvements to our State’s water infrastructure and these investments will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come.”

Clean Water Projects:

• Albany Municipal Water Finance Authority (Capital Region) – $2,127,250 short-term interest-free financing and $4,254,500 grant from BIL general supplemental funds, as well as a $3,625,000 WIIA grant for the planning, design, and construction of combined sewer overflow abatement projects constructed in the Cities of Troy, Albany and Cohoes in support of the Albany Pool Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan.
• Village of Endicott in Broome County (Southern Tier) – $75,295 WIIA grant for the construction of collection system improvements.

Drinking Water Projects:

• New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority – $50,000,000 short-term market-rate financing for the construction of a second water conveyance tunnel from the Kensico Reservoir to the Catskill/Delaware Ultraviolet Disinfection Facility in Eastview.
• Village of Portville in Cattaraugus County (Western NY) – $1,622,559 short-term interest-free financing and $785,971 grant from BIL general supplemental funds, as well as a $3,000,000 WIIA grant for improvements to well sources and treatment buildings; chlorine treatment and fluoridation treatment system processes and the north storage tank; replacement of the south storage tank reservoir, aged and undersized watermains, valves and hydrants; and installation of telemetry and new water meters.
• City of Rochester in Monroe County (Finger Lakes) – $3,000,000 WIIA grant for the replacement of approximately 1,100 lead, lead-lined and galvanized water services.

Refinancing Completed Projects Will Achieve Long-Term Debt Service Savings

The Board also took action to help ensure continued, long-term affordability of existing projects. This includes approving an $847 million bond sale to refinance various wastewater and drinking water projects and refunding prior bonds issued for the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority (NYCMWFA). Refunding bonds delivers additional savings for New York City ratepayers by refinancing the original bonds that funded their projects at an even lower interest rate. The transaction is estimated to save $149 million for New York City ratepayers over the next 30 years.

In addition to the bond sale on behalf of New York City, the Board approved $10 million in long-term interest-free financing for three existing projects in the Village of Lake Placid in Essex County (North Country), the Village of Sherman in Chautauqua County (Western NY) and the Town of Woodhall in Steuben County (Southern Tier). Short-term financing provides capital for design and construction of projects. Once project construction is completed, the short-term financing is typically refinanced to long-term financing for up to 30 years, saving municipalities significant interest expenses versus financing on their own.

Based on current market conditions, these long-term interest-free financings are projected to save ratepayers an estimated $15 million in interest payments over the life of the financings.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

New York State's nation-leading investment in clean water infrastructure totals $5 billion since 2017. Governor Hochul this week announced $325 million in grants is available for water infrastructure projects through the next round of the State's WIIA and IMG programs. This action immediately delivers on Governor Hochul’s clean water funding commitments announced in her Executive Budget and State of the State, which include a series of changes to maximize benefits for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. Applications and full eligibility criteria will become available at efc.ny.gov on Monday, February 5.

The Governor launched Community Assistance Teams to expand EFC's technical assistance program and help small, rural and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding to address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with their water infrastructure needs is encouraged to contact EFC at efc.ny.gov/CAT.

The voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats, and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. The first round of funding under the Environmental Bond Act was awarded through the WIIA/IMG programs in December, when Governor Hochul announced $479 million in grants to 156 projects across New York State. Disadvantaged Communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent.

District Leader Yves Filius Withdraws Candidacy for 77th Assemblymember District.

 

“After careful reflection, I've decided to withdraw as a candidate for the vacancy in the 77th Assemblymember district. Personal reasons have led me to this choice, and though it's a challenging decision, I believe it's the right one for me at this time.

Throughout my journey in this community, my dedication has always been fueled by a profound care for our district. That commitment remains unwavering, even as I navigate a different path. I am grateful for the support and understanding from each and every one of you.

While the way I pursue what is best for my community may shift, my passion to serve this community will endure. I am committed to continuing to serve as a community leader, advocating for crucial initiatives such as securing waterfront access to the west Bronx, addressing the asthma ratio by capping the Cross Bronx Expressway, and eliminating our borough's food deserts.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner for her incredible work, both locally and in the halls of Albany, advocating for the needs and interests of our district.

I also appreciate the support of the Bronx Democratic Party and Chairman Bailey, fostering an environment where community leaders can step out and step up to lead our district and borough forward.

It's essential to highlight the significance of ensuring that whoever is elected to represent the 77th has a deep connection to the district. It's not just about policies; it's about a genuine love for our community. I look forward to working with them and continuing to propel our community and borough forward.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Yves Filius for his invaluable service as a district leader and as an exemplary member of the Bronx Democratic Party,” said Chairman Jamaal T. Bailey. “Yves's dedication and passion have been crucial to our party's success. More broadly, his love for his district and the Bronx is palpable. Thank you, Yves, for your outstanding leadership. We look forward to witnessing your continued success."

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR EXPECTED SNOW ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, THAT WILL IMPACT THE EVENING’S COMMUTE, WITH COLD TEMPERATURES REMAINING UNTIL MONDAY

 

Alternate Side Parking will be Suspended on Friday, Meters Are Still in Effect 

The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Travel Advisory for Friday, January 19, for snow and possible impacts to the evening commute. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook in effect citywide for tomorrow. Light snow is expected throughout the day as a low-pressure system passes offshore to our south. A few flurries are possible tonight, but accumulating snowfall most likely begins between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. tomorrow and begins to taper off in the afternoon, coming to an end sometime between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. 

  

Snowfall totals of around 3 inches at rates of a half inch an hour or less are expected in New York City. Totals of 4 to 5 inches are possible if the storm tracks closer to the coast or may be as little as 1 inch or less if it tracks further offshore. This will be an all-snow event with no changeover in precipitation type. No impacts are anticipated for the morning commute, but snow and slush-covered roads alongside low visibility are likely for the evening commute, resulting in travel delays. 

  

Cold conditions continue through the weekend, allowing snow to stick around. Temperatures will remain several degrees below the norm with lows in the low 20s to upper teens and wind chills in the teens to single digits. Even colder air moves over the area following the storm. Wind chills could approach zero over the weekend with gusty winds of 20 to 30 mph. Sub-freezing temperatures will persist until Monday. Melting of snow and a refreeze will be possible Monday night. 

   

“With more snow expected throughout the day tomorrow, our city agencies are prepared, and we encourage all New Yorkers to plan for a messier commute and take the necessary precautions to remain safe,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’ll continue to keep New Yorkers updated about what to expect and, as always, the best way to stay safe is to stay informed — sign up for Notify NYC to get the latest information directly from the city.” 

  

“As we prepare for another round of snow and cold temperatures this weekend, we encourage New Yorkers to prepare a plan for tomorrow’s slippery and messy evening commute,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We are in constant contact with our partner agencies, to ensure that there are no disruptions to services during this latest weather event. With temperatures remaining sub-freezing until Monday, don’t forget to check on friends, family and neighbors.” 

  

NYC Emergency Management has proactively activated the City's Winter Weather Emergency Plan in response to the forecasted conditions. This includes conducting coordination calls with the National Weather Service and city and state agencies and utility partners, and bolstering staffing at the Emergency Operations Center, which is already operational due to the city's ongoing asylum seeker operations. The administration announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended tomorrow, Friday January 19, 2024. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the city. 

  

As part of the Winter Weather Emergency Plan, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Snow Alert and is pre-deploying over 700 salt spreaders to pretreat roadways ahead of the first snowflake and is prepared to dispatch plows in all sectors when more than two inches of snow accumulates. During a Snow Alert, the Department collaborates closely with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation to implement snow clearing protocols, adhering to the detailed snow plans established by each agency. DSNY will be tracking operations via its new Bladerunner 2.0 platform, allowing real-time adjustments as conditions require. Every street is on a route and, for the first time, every route can be dispatched at the same time. 

  

The NYC Department of Homeless Services has issued a Code Blue and outreach teams will canvass all five boroughs to connect our most vulnerable New Yorkers to shelters. No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. For the most immediate response, New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be experiencing homelessness and in need should contact 311 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. 

  

Residential building owners are legally required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when the temperatures fall below 55 degrees outside during the day and a minimum of 62 degrees indoors overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. If an apartment lacks appropriate heat, a tenant should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should register an official complaint via 311. Tenants can call 311, visit 311 online at NYC.gov/311, or use the 311 mobile app (on Android and iOS devices) to file a complaint. Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf TDD at (212) 504-4115. 

  

NYCEM urges all New Yorkers to prioritize their safety by remaining alert and well-informed, including with real-time updates by subscribing to Notify NYC and listening to news broadcasts for the latest weather information. NYCEM strongly encourages all New Yorkers to take proactive steps to ensure their own safety and support the city’s resilience: 

  

•   NYCEM offers New Yorkers tips on staying safe before, during, and after winter storms at on.nyc.gov/winterweather.  
•   Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter. 
•   Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible. 
•   If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves. 
•   Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors. Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs. Older New Yorkers and those with disabilities, access, and functional needs should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.  
•   Be safe at work. Workers who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk for cold-related health impacts. If you are an employer, implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on how to stay safe during cold and winter weather. 
•   If you must drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections. 
•   Always have an emergency kit in your car. It should include items like blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a snow shovel. 
•   Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.  
•   If you require assistance for daily activities, make arrangements in advance for support during the expected weather, ensuring caregivers are aware of and prepared for the weather conditions. 
•   Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy. If you lose power and have a disability and/or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911. 
•   To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your power provider immediately to report the outage. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). You can also report an outage online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660). 

  

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, New Yorkers can visit the Notify NYC website, call 311, or download the free Notify NYC app for your Android or Apple device. You can now text to 692-692, using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive the highest priority, verified alerts across all the five boroughs.  

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES RECORD NUMBER OF AFFORDABLE HOMES CREATED IN 2023, MAKES URGENT CASE FOR ALBANY ACTION AS PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION SLOWS

 

City Financed Record Number of New Affordable Homes Last Year, With Majority Benefitting From Expired 421-a Affordable Housing Tax Incentive    

 

80 Percent Increase in Financing for New Construction and Preservation of Affordable Homes From 2022 

 

City Also Set Record in 2023 for Most New Supportive Homes and Homes for Formerly Homeless New Yorkers  

 

As New Yorkers Continue to Struggle With High Rents, City Needs Tools From Albany to Build Homes for New Yorkers  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that his administration has once again broken records for producing much-needed affordable housing amid a severe housing shortage in the five boroughs. As private construction activity slows following the expiration of a critical affordable housing creation tool, Mayor Adams reiterated an urgent call for state lawmakers in Albany to partner with New York Governor Kathy Hochul and provide the city with critical tools — including a new affordable housing tax incentive, a pathway to make basement and cellar apartments safe and legal, a tax incentive to turn empty office buildings into affordable homes, and the lifting of a cap on density for new construction — to create the new housing New Yorkers need. 

  

“When we came into office two years ago, we had a mission: protect public safety, revitalize the economy, and make this city more livable for hardworking New Yorkers, and making our city more livable means building more affordable housing for more people,” said Mayor Adams. “We are proud of our administration’s progress building a record number of affordable homes last year, but New York City cannot solve this affordable housing crisis alone. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership on this issue and are optimistic that with the support of labor, industry, and lawmakers across the state, we can help ease the pain New Yorkers are feeling every day as we continue to make real progress against this crisis.” 

  

“Making good on our administration’s promise to increase affordable housing and tackle the city’s housing crisis once and for all, we accomplished record housing production for the last calendar year,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I congratulate HPD and HDC on financing historic numbers of newly created housing, including record amounts for homeless New Yorkers and those in need of supportive services, and look forward to working with our state colleagues to unlock more housing to reach our need of creating 500,000 new homes in the next decade.” 

 

“Each record number we report and celebrate today is an investment in our future — representing new, safe, affordable homes where New Yorkers will be able to live out their lives and pursue their aspirations in the greatest city in the world.” said New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “I am proud of our agency staff and our partners at HDC for their tireless work to produce so many homes across the five boroughs. Now, more than ever, we need our state partners in Albany to lean in and help us do even more to address this housing crisis and keep our city competitive.” 

  

“Last year’s record-breaking production numbers reflect this administration’s tireless commitment to expanding our city’s affordable housing supply,” said New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin. “While we continue to make strides towards building new supply and preserving our existing affordable and public housing stock, more must be done to tackle the growing housing crisis. It is crucial that we receive the federal resources needed to effectively meet the urgent housing needs of New Yorkers.” 

  

HPD also directly connected more New Yorkers to homes than ever before, bringing nearly 13,000 households into affordable units this calendar year. Nearly 10,000 of those connections were through Housing Connect lotteries and 3,000 households left shelter to move into HPD homeless set aside units, an increase of more than 30 percent from 2022 to 2023. Late last year, the administration announced that permanent housing placements from shelter using CityFHEPS vouchers increased 10 percent during the first three months of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) compared to the first three months of FY23. 

  

Overall, HPD and HDC financed a total 27,911 units in calendar year 2023 through new construction and preservation deals, and increase of 80 percent from 2022, fueled by a 47 percent increase in the financing of new affordable homes. The Adams administration additionally continued to prioritize new homes for the most vulnerable New Yorkers — setting records by creating 3,926 new homes for New Yorkers who formerly experienced homelessness and 1,670 new supportive homes with restricted rents and social services. 

 

To accelerate housing production and deliver relief to New Yorkers, the Adams administration has advanced a number of creative solutions, including an office conversation accelerator, new proposed rules to streamline approvals for sustainable housing, a “Housing-at-Risk Task Force,” and several pilot programs to help fund the creation of accessory dwelling units, help move New Yorkers out of shelters and into renovated apartments, and fuel mixed-income development in neighborhoods across the city, among other innovative efforts.  

  

Lifting the city’s impressive 2023 numbers are major development projects closed by the Adams administration over the last year, including new housing projects at Willets Point, the JFK Hilton Hotel Conversion, The Peninsula in Hunts Point, and more. The administration also advanced several robust neighborhood planning efforts to deliver more housing and economic opportunities and investments to Central Brooklyn, Midtown South, South Richmond, Long Island City, Jamaica, and the Metro North station area in the Bronx, among others. 

  

The city’s accelerated new housing production in 2023 stands in contrast to the private housing market where construction slowed, driven in part by the loss of the 421-a incentive program and the absence of action in Albany to replace it.  According to the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) Housing Database, new unit permits dropped by approximately 84 percent between the first six months of 2023 and the first six months of 2022.  

 

“Affordable housing continues to be an absolutely critical resource for New Yorkers,” said New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “NYCHA extends its appreciation and ongoing support of the Adams administration's continued dedication to the preservation and creation of new affordable housing in New York City.” 

  

“This administration continues to do everything in its power to deliver the housing that New Yorkers need, from financing income-restricted affordable housing to advancing zoning changes and streamlining environmental review for much-needed housing,” said DCP Chair and City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick. “We need action from our partners in Albany to pass comprehensive housing policy that supports housing opportunity in New York and across the state.” 

  

“The New York City Department of Buildings is making it easier than ever to build in our city by removing outdated regulations and streamlining the development process, but without legislation from our partners in Albany, private developers will not build the houses we need in the numbers we need them,” said New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo. “The simple fact of the matter is greater flexibility and incentives will help jumpstart housing production across the state.”  

  

“Creating new, affordable, stable housing opportunities across our neighborhoods and preserving the affordability of homes that our fellow New Yorkers live in are critical steps to ensuring our city remains a diverse and thriving place to call home,” said New York City Executive Director for Housing Leila Bozorg. “I’m proud of the hustle and commitment that our housing agencies — with partners across the public and private sectors — have demonstrated through these numbers; each becoming a home that not only chips away at our housing supply and affordability challenges, but that serves as a platform for greater security for our neighbors.” 

  

The administration’s record-breaking production numbers also show New York City’s resilience in the face of difficult trends slowing the creation of new multifamily housing throughout the city and the nation. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, new construction of multifamily housing from January to October 2023 decreased 34 percent compared to the same period in 2022. 

  

As Mayor Adams has continued his advocacy for Albany to give New York City the tools it needs, he has committed $24 billion to affordable housing — the most in New York City’s history — and taken significant steps towards the “moonshot” goal of his “Get Stuff Built” plan to meet the need for 500,000 new homes over the next decade. Mayor Adams has also proposed the most pro-housing changes in the history of the city’s zoning code through his “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” plan to create “a little more housing in every neighborhood” of the city.