Housing Lottery Launches for 233 East 202nd Street in Jerome Park, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 233 East 202nd Street, an eight-story residential building in Jerome Park, The Bronx. Designed by Fred Geremia Architects & Planners and developed by Franc Gjini under the 2625 Grand Avenue Corp., the structure yields 44 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are nine units for residents at 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $76,423 to $140,000. 

Amenities include a shared laundry room, package lockers, and on-site resident manager. Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove, heat, and hot water.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are three studios with a monthly rent of $2,000 for incomes ranging from $76,423 to $103,680; five one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,092 for incomes ranging from $81,909 to $116,640; and one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,419 for incomes ranging from $98,298 to $140,000.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than January 9, 2026.

Disney Agrees to $10M Civil Penalty and Injunction for Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy Laws

 

The Justice Department announced that a federal court has entered a stipulated order resolving a case against Disney Worldwide Services Inc. and Disney Entertainment Operations LLC, (collectively, Disney). Under the order, Disney will pay $10 million in civil penalties as part of a settlement to resolve allegations that Disney violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and its implementing regulations (COPPA) in connection with Disney’s popular YouTube video content.

COPPA prohibits website operators from knowingly collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under the age of 13 (hereinafter, children), unless they provide notice to and obtain consent from those children’s parents. In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the government alleged that Disney improperly failed to designate YouTube video content as directed toward children. As a result, Disney, and others acting on Disney’s behalf, targeted advertising toward children on YouTube and unlawfully collected children’s information without parental notice and consent, in violation of COPPA. Disney’s YouTube video content is extremely popular, with billions of views in the United States alone.

“The Justice Department is firmly devoted to ensuring parents have a say in how their children’s information is collected and used,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will take swift action to root out any unlawful infringement on parents’ rights to protect their children’s privacy.”

In addition to imposing a $10 million civil penalty on Disney, the stipulated order bars Disney from operating on YouTube in a manner that violates COPPA and requires Disney to create a program that will ensure it properly complies with COPPA on YouTube going forward.

The United States is represented in this action by Assistant Director Zachary A. Dietert, and Trial Attorneys Zachary L. Cowan and Francisco L. Unger, from the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch. Jacqueline Ford represents the FTC.

For more information about the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch visit www.justice.gov/civil/enforcement-affirmative-litigation-branch.

DEC Announces Expansion of the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge

 

2026 Challenge Includes Two New Fire Towers in Delaware County

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge to highlight the world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities in the Catskill Park. Launched in 2019, the Challenge has drawn participants from every region of New York, as well as 11 other states and Canadian Provinces. This challenge also complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.

“The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge introduces New Yorkers and visitors to the exceptional hiking opportunities available on New York State public lands,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Each year, hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts take Governor Hochul’s advice to get offline and outside by taking the Challenge and visiting the beauty of the Catskills from the heights of one of the historical fire towers. The Challenge is helping more people appreciate and enjoy all that this region has to offer, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.” 

This year, the addition of Bramley Mountain and Mount Utsayantha fire towers celebrates community partnerships and provides an even greater challenge to take with friends and family. Participation by the two towers in Delaware County is made possible by a strong partnership between DEC, local communities, and not-for-profit organizations dedicated to enhancing public recreation, tourism, and conservation.

Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower, built in 1934 and restored in 2005, is located just outside of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Bought in 2015 for $1, the fire tower is owned and maintained by the Village of Stamford. In 1900, the tower boasted views as far away as the Berkshires. Visitors to this tower have the option of hiking or driving a one-mile seasonal gravel road to the summit.

Bramley Mountain Fire Tower was recently reconstructed atop Bramley Mountain, an effort that spanned many years and completed thanks to the diligence of committed volunteers and community members. Open since May 2025, this tower offers sweeping views of the Catskills. The four-mile trail leading to the tower was built by the Catskill Mountain Club in partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower provides educational and historical information at the tower on weekends and holidays during the summer months. 

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge continues to offer a unique way to encourage exploration of the region and its namesake mountains. The addition of Bramley Mountain and Mount Utsayantha to this year's challenge will expand the program's footprint and provide more reasons for visitors to plan a Catskills getaway, complemented by one-of-a-kind experiences that can only be found in New York State." 

For nearly a century, observers watched the forests of New York State, including the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve, from more than 100 fire towers perched atop the highest peaks to search for signs of forest fires. This Catskills Fire Tower Challenge highlights the park’s remaining public fire towers.

The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge encourages experienced hikers to visit the region’s remaining fire towers located on Balsam Lake Mountain (Hardenburgh), Hunter Mountain (Hunter), Overlook Mountain (Woodstock), Red Hill Mountain (Denning), Tremper Mountain (Shandaken), Upper Esopus Fire Tower (Catskills Visitor Center – Mt. Tremper), Mt. Utsayantha Fire Tower (Stamford), and Bramley Mountain Fire Tower (Delhi). 

For more information about the Catskills and to experience the easiest-to-reach fire tower in the region, visit the Catskills Visitor Center on Route 28 in the heart of the Catskill Park. Situated on 60 acres of forest, fields, and wetlands, the Catskills Visitor Center offers the tower, a visitor information center, gift shop, 1.5 miles of peaceful nature trails (including ADA-accessible trails), picnic areas, a covered pavilion, wildlife viewing, Esopus Creek access, and much more. Visitors can connect with staff and find valuable information, maps, and advice about all the activities available in the 700,000-acre forest preserve. The Catskills Visitor Center is open for the winter season Friday-Monday from 9:30 a.m.to 4 p.m. 

New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said, “These towers are cherished landmarks that offer extraordinary opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to learn about the history of the Catskills while taking in some truly breathtaking views. DEP remains proud of our recent work with our community partners in helping enable the recent restoration of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower and we hope the public enjoys using it for many years to come.” 

To complete the challenge, participants must visit all eight fire towers in the Catskills region between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Once completed, participants submit a log of their completed hikes along with a favorite photo to CatskillsChallenge@dec.ny.gov, or via mail. Entries must be postmarked by January 5, 2027. Full details can be found at the 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge page. 

All participants who complete the challenge will receive a letter and a commemorative Catskills Fire Tower Challenge patch designed with the 2026 completion year. The first 1,000 finishers will also receive a one-year subscription to DEC’s Conservationist magazine and a gift subscription for a second person of their choice. Again, this year, finishers who completed the challenge multiple times will receive an additional commemorative Catskills Fire Tower Challenge prize. Upon completion, finishers will be able to download a customizable certificate and will be eligible to win prizes after the challenge period is closed. Finishers will be entered into a grand prize drawing.

To promote responsible recreation, DEC will offer a bonus prize entry to finishers who also submit a photo of themselves being safe, respectful, and responsible when enjoying the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace™ while participating in the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge. Love Our New York Lands by picking up litter, carrying out what you carried in, planning and preparing for safe hikes, staying on the trail, and finding more tips available at DEC’s website.

The 2025 challenge has more than 500 finishers to date. With DEC giving participants a full year to complete the challenge, hikers can complete it at their own pace. Hikers who would like to get a jump start on the Challenge for the new year can complete their first fire tower as part of a guided First Day Hike. The New York State Outdoor Guides Association, Catskills Visitor Center, and Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower will be leading hikes up Red Hill Fire Tower, Upper Esopus Fire Tower, and Bramley Mountain on January 1, 2026. 

Stewardship of the DEC fire towers is a partnership with the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. The Catskill Center, through the Catskill Fire Tower Project, manages six fire towers in the Catskill Park for public access and interpretation under a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement?with DEC. Dedicated volunteers help maintain and staff each of the fire towers on weekends and holidays throughout the summer and fall seasons.

In a Historic Announcement, FEMA Rapidly Awards $250 Million to Secure U.S. Skies Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $250 million to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and to the National Capital Region through the new Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program. Recipients can use this money to strengthen their ability to detect, identify, track, or mitigate unmanned aircraft systems, also known as “drones.” This program aligns with the Trump-Vance Administration’s initiative to protect the public from hostile drones during mass gathering events, as outlined in the Executive Order on Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.

In recent years, criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their use of this technology. With today’s C-UAS Grant Program award—along with the new authorities granted in the SAFER SKIES Act—state and local law enforcement agencies now have the tools they need to keep their communities safe. This is especially critical as officials across the country prepare for the United States to host the FIFA World Cup, which is expected to be the largest sporting event in world history.

“We knew we needed to act quickly to keep the World Cup safe from the rising threat of unmanned aircraft systems and that’s exactly what we did,” said FEMA Acting Administrator Karen S. Evans, “This is the fastest non-disaster grant program ever executed by FEMA with funds being awarded just 25 days after the application deadline. This efficiency is a testament to the Administration’s laser-focus on cutting red tape, getting resources into the hands of law enforcement, and protecting the American people.”

The C-UAS Grant Program was established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 and signed into law by President Trump in July 2025. Through this program, DHS is providing $500 million in federal funding over two years to enhance state and local capabilities to combat unmanned aircraft systems. Today’s announcement is for the first $250 million, awarded to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026, as well as to the National Capital Region which is hosting America 250 national events. Next year, the remaining $250 million will be distributed to all U.S. states and territories with an expanded focus on building detection and response capacity nationwide. This design demonstrates that the Trump Administration is working to keep Americans secure as they attend historic events across the nation while also building stronger, longer-term protections against drone threats.

This announcement comes after a critical evaluation of all FEMA grant programs and recipients. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, FEMA has become a responsible steward of taxpayers’ dollars. The agency instituted sweeping reforms to its grant programs, eliminating egregious waste, fraud, and abuse that has been happening for decades. Its grant programs are now carefully crafted to ensure that that taxpayer money is spent responsibly on projects that deliver real safety and security for all Americans.

FEMA announced the Fiscal Year 2026 C-UAS Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity on October 28, 2025.

Panama City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening Federal Informant

Thomas Zachary Breeding, 41, of Panama City, FL, was sentenced to a total of 77 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to retaliation against a federal informant, transmission of threatening communications in interstate commerce, and supervised release violations. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I appreciate the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners that led to this successful prosecution. My office has zero tolerance for those who threaten our communities with violence, and we will aggressively prosecute such offenses to keep our residents safe.”

Court documents reflect that on May 31, 2024, the defendant sent Facebook messages threatening bodily injury to an individual. In the messages, the defendant blamed the individual for sending him to prison, called him a “rat,” and promised to “break” a “knife off” in their “guts.” The defendant sent the threats to retaliate against the individual for having provided information to federal law enforcement as part of a prior federal investigation and prosecution of the defendant for distributing cocaine. The defendant was still on federal supervised release for that prior case at the time he made the threats, and he admitted to violating the terms and conditions of his supervision as a result of the new charges.

“DEA and our law enforcement partners will not stop protecting our communities from traffickers pushing poisons into our neighborhoods and threatening the safety and security of those helping us do just that,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This man was convicted of distributing cocaine and then threatened members of the community who wanted his actions stopped.”

Breeding was sentenced to 47 months in prison for the retaliation and threat charges and an additional 30 months to run consecutively for the supervised release violations. 

The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida. 

Two Americans Plead Guilty to Targeting Multiple U.S. Victims Using ALPHV BlackCat Ransomware

 

Yesterday a federal district court in the Southern District of Florida accepted the guilty pleas of two men to conspiring to obstruct, delay or affect commerce through extortion in connection with ransomware attacks occurring in 2023.

“These defendants used their sophisticated cybersecurity training and experience to commit ransomware attacks — the very type of crime that they should have been working to stop,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Extortion via the internet victimizes innocent citizens every bit as much as taking money directly out of their pockets. The Department of Justice is committed to using all tools available to identify and arrest perpetrators of ransomware attacks wherever we have jurisdiction.”

“Ransomware is not just a foreign threat — it can come from inside our own borders,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Goldberg and Martin used trusted access and technical skill to extort American victims and profit from digital coercion. Their guilty pleas make clear that cybercriminals operating from within the United States will be found, prosecuted, and held to account.”

“Malware like ALPHV (BlackCat) ransomware is used by bad actors to steal, extort, and launder proceeds from victim businesses and organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to working alongside its law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises involved in ransomware attacks and to hold accountable not only the perpetrators but also anyone who knowingly enables or profits from them. We will continue to leverage our intelligence, law enforcement tools, global presence, and partnerships to counter cybercriminals who seek to harm the American public through these insidious attacks. We strongly encourage businesses to exercise due diligence when engaging third parties for ransomware incident response, report suspicious or unethical behavior, and to expeditiously report any ransomware attack to the FBI and our law enforcement partners to safeguard their security and privacy.”

According to court documents, Ryan Goldberg, 40, of Georgia, Kevin Martin, 36, of Texas, and another co-conspirator successfully deployed the ransomware known as ALPHV BlackCat between April 2023 and December 2023 against multiple victims located throughout the United States. The three men agreed to pay the ALPHV BlackCat administrators a 20% share of any ransoms received in exchange for access to the ransomware and ALPHV BlackCat’s extortion platform. All three men worked in the cybersecurity industry — meaning that they had special skills and experience in securing computer systems against harm, including the type of harm they themselves were committing against the victims in this case. After successfully extorting one victim for approximately $1.2 million in Bitcoin, the men split their 80% share of this ransom three ways and laundered the funds through various means.

According to court documents, ALPHV BlackCat targeted the computer networks of more than 1,000 victims around the world. The group used a ransomware-as-a-service model in which developers were responsible for creating and updating ransomware and for maintaining the illicit internet infrastructure. Affiliates were responsible for identifying and attacking high-value victim institutions with the ransomware. After a victim paid, developers and affiliates shared the ransom.

Today’s announcement follows the Justice Department’s prior actions in December 2023 to disrupt ALPHV BlackCat ransomware, in which the FBI developed a decryption tool that allowed FBI field offices across the country and law enforcement partners around the world to offer hundreds of victims the capability of restoring their systems, saving victims approximately $99 million in ransom payments. At that time, the FBI also seized several websites operated by ALPHV BlackCat.

Goldberg and Martin each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct, delay or affect commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce by extortion in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a). The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2026, and face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Miami Field Office is leading the investigation, with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service.

Trial Attorneys Christen Gallagher and Jorge Gonzalez of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Haggerty and Quinshawna Landon for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitchell Hyman for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. 

Significant assistance in this investigation was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul B. Morris for the Eastern District of Texas and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel W.A. Peach for the Middle District of Georgia. Additional assistance was provided by the Policía de Investigación of the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México.

Private sector organizations can report any suspicious activities and threats to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), visiting www.tips.fbi.gov or contacting their local FBI field office.

If you are a victim of ransomware, contact your local FBI field office or file a report at ic3.gov.

If you have information about ALPHV BlackCat, their affiliates or activities, you may be eligible for a reward through the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program.  Information can be submitted through the following Tor-based tip line (Tor browser required):

he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion.

Attorney General James Announces Indictment of Albany Defense Attorney for Tampering with Witness

 

Jasper Mills Charged for Releasing Confidential Information on Cooperating Witness, Resulting in Death Threats and a Slashing

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James today announced the arrest and indictment of Jasper Mills, a criminal defense attorney who unlawfully shared confidential witness information in a homicide trial, which ultimately led to a cooperating witness being threatened and attacked in a federal prison. Mills, a former Albany County prosecutor, was indicted for violating an Albany County protective order, which prohibited him from providing any copies of discovery material that listed witness names, including a sensitive list naming two cooperating witnesses. Shortly after Mills shared the sensitive witness list, a cooperating witness was threatened in federal prison and later slashed with a knife, which required a hospital stay for his wounds. Mills was charged with five crimes, including Intimidating a Witness and Tampering with a Witness, and was arraigned today in Albany County Court.

“Witness intimidation corrupts our justice system and prevents victims of crimes from getting justice with a fair trial,” said Attorney General James. “Jasper Mills allegedly shared witness information that put lives in danger, and my office will hold him accountable. I will not tolerate any illegal tactics that jeopardize criminal investigations and put New Yorkers at risk.” 

“This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting witnesses and holding individuals accountable when their actions jeopardize public safety and the justice system,” said Superintendent James.

Mills was retained by defendant Vramir Branch, one of four indicted defendants in an ongoing prosecution for the January 2021 gang-related murder of 32-year-old Shanita Thomas. The Albany County District Attorney’s Office applied for two protective orders against Branch in the homicide case due to the fear of gang-related reprisals against witnesses. The second and final protective order was issued on October 27, 2022 by Judge Roger McDonough prohibiting Mills from giving the defendant any documents, including documents listing the name or personal information of any of the witnesses.

During a June 3, 2024 pre-trial conference, Judge McDonough ordered the Albany District Attorney’s Office to hand over a witness list that named two cooperating witnesses that prosecutors intended to call for trial. That night, the assigned Assistant District Attorney emailed all the defense attorneys in the case a list that named two witnesses, one of whom was a cooperating witness who was federally incarcerated. The Assistant District Attorney included a copy of the protective order with the witness list and reminded the defense attorneys that their clients were not allowed to have copies. 

In the early morning of June 5, 2024, the cooperating witness, who was incarcerated in general population at FCI Ray Brook in Lake Placid, New York, was approached by several armed inmates and threatened. The witness was told that they knew he had “turned state witness” and if he did not leave their housing unit, he would be killed. The cooperator ran to a correction lieutenant’s office to inform him of the threats and was moved to protective custody.

An investigation uncovered that a witness list that contained Mills’ distinctive markings was released on social media, including Snapchat. A second copy of the witness list that also contained Mills’ distinctive markings was circulated via text message. However, the protective order barring Mills from providing any hard copies of the discovery was still in effect.

On September 8, 2024, the cooperating witness was attacked again while in protective custody. The attackers stated they knew the cooperator was a witness and the cooperator was slashed on the wrist with a prison shiv, which required hospitalization due to infection.

In addition to the witness list that was circulating on social media, Mills delivered a hard drive with other information on it to Branch at Albany County Correctional Facility on April 8, 2024. The hard drive contained multiple documents that Mills was prohibited from providing to his client, including the names and quotes from various eyewitnesses to the Shanita Thomas homicide that were used for various search warrant affidavits.

Mills is charged with Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, Intimidating a Witness in the First Degree, Intimidating a Witness in the Second Degree, Tampering with a Witness in the First Degree, and Tampering with a Witness in the Second Degree. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of eight and one-third to twenty-five years in jail.

Mills was arraigned today in Albany Supreme Court. The charges in the indictments are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation of this matter was conducted by the New York State Police.

Governor Hochul Celebrates Landmark $3.8 Billion Investment in Water Infrastructure During SFY 2025

$1.1 Billion in Targeted Grants are Making Projects Affordable for Communities

New SFY 2025 Clean Water Funding Report Details Coordinated Efforts of Seven Agencies

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the State’s $3.8 billion investment in local water infrastructure projects during State Fiscal Year 2025. A newly released New York State Clean Water Funding Report shows that New York delivered $1.1 billion in water quality grants in a single fiscal year, significantly reducing costs for local governments, families and businesses. Governor Hochul’s administration is providing unprecedented support to advance drinking water, wastewater and stormwater upgrades that are protecting public health and the environment, building community resiliency, improving quality of life and creating good-paying jobs.

“New York continues to set a national standard for water infrastructure investment that keeps water rates affordable for our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re beginning to see tremendous progress as supported projects are completed and deliver benefits where they’re needed most.”

The historic $3.8 billion investment was made possible by Governor Hochul’s continued grant funding commitments for clean water, a surge of federal funding to the State Revolving Funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and State funding through the transformational Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund. This reflects a whole-of-government commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and keeping water rates affordable for New Yorkers.

The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) anchors most of the distributed funding as the State’s water infrastructure bank. The Governor’s clean water and affordability agendas succeed with the expertise of EFC, the Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Health (DOH), State (DOS), and Agriculture and Markets (Ag&M), and the Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). These agencies provide grants that help address the diverse water infrastructure needs of communities statewide. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) administers Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs that complement the State’s funding by providing resources that help ensure local investments deliver lasting value.

The hundreds of projects supported through the SFY 2025 investment include:

• Treatment plant upgrades
• New and repaired water mains
• New and improved wastewater collection and sewer systems, including the decommissioning or replacement of failing septic systems
• Treatment of public water supplies to remove emerging contaminants
• Lead service line inventory and replacement
• Stormwater management systems
• Land acquisition for source water protection
• Improved salt storage and road salt reduction practices
• Dam safety rehabilitation and removal
• Fish and wildlife habitat restoration, including aquatic, terrestrial, and marine systems
• Nonpoint source pollution abatement
• Resiliency improvements in flood-prone areas

The funding report details investments and project impacts from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, including metrics for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. The State Revolving Funds are New York’s primary tools for advancing its clean water goals, providing low-cost financing and grants to local governments.

The report also breaks down the $1.1 billion in grants delivered through the State’s range of water infrastructure funding programs, including:

• Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants
• Water Quality Improvement Projects Program
• Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grants
• Septic System Replacement Fund
• Green Resiliency Grants
• Community Development Block Grant
• Green Innovation Grant Program
• Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program
• Local Government Efficiency and Appalachian and Northern Border Regional Commissions
• Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants
• Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grants
• Clean Vessel Assistance Program

Complementing the $3.8 billion for water quality projects, DHSES provided an additional $647 million in FEMA grants for disaster recovery related to flooding, storms, and snow in SFY 2025. The Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs provide critical resources to help flood-stricken municipalities reduce vulnerability to severe storms. These federal programs support New York’s broader clean water and infrastructure goals by helping communities integrate resiliency into local planning, facility upgrades, and community-wide risk reduction strategies.

EFC leads the Community Assistance Teams initiative that brings partner agencies together to help local governments access funding and to further Governor Hochul’s commitment to water infrastructure improvement in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. DEC and DOH also offer free technical assistance to municipalities to protect drinking water supplies through the Drinking Water Source Protection Program, among numerous other programs and initiatives to manage and protect water quality statewide.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017, including $453 million in grants awarded by EFC in December 2025. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC.