New York distributes $31.3 million to six municipalities for water infrastructure upgrades

(UC) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that six municipalities will receive $31.3 million in financial assistance for critical water infrastructure improvements that are crucial to protecting public health and the environment.

The Environmental Facilities Corporation board of directors approved funding packages in support of wastewater and drinking water projects totaling more than $43.1 million. This announcement marks the latest action by Governor Hochul to upgrade New York's water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies.

"New York continues to provide unprecedented financial support to help communities upgrade water systems and improve water quality," Governor Hochul said. "Providing funding and resources to help local governments get shovels in the ground for water infrastructure improvement projects is a top priority of my administration, and we'll continue working together to modernize our infrastructure and provide safe, reliable water systems for generations to come." 

Clean Water Project Funding

The village of Portville in Cattaraugus County (Western New York) will receive $4,539,750 in short-term, interest free financing and a $2,422,000 WIIA grant for collection system rehabilitation and wastewater treatment plant upgrades. 

The town of Mohawk in Herkimer County (Mohawk Valley) will receive $1,524,500 in principal forgiveness toward the town's $6 million short-term financing to plan, design and construct sewer system improvements. The $4,509,124 balance will be converted to long-term, interest-free financing. 

The town of North Hempstead in Nassau County (Long Island) will receive $4,033,087 in long-term, interest-free financing for a new effluent pump station in the Belgrave Water Pollution Control District. 

Drinking Water Project Funding

The town of Hounsfield in Jefferson County (North Country) has been awarded $2,447,000 in short-term, market rate financing and a $3,000,000 WIIA grant for five new connections between the Town's existing water districts, replacement of approximately 21,300 linear feet of transmission main throughout the system, water storage tank recoating and piping work, and new water meters. 

The town of North Collins in Erie County (Western New York) has been awarded $249,797 in long-term, interest-free financing and $44,113 WIIA grant to create the Town of North Collins Lawton's Water District to serve customers of the former Lawton's Water Company. 

The town of Ticonderoga in Essex County (North Country) has been awarded $8,529,572 in long-term, interest-free financing to install new groundwater sources, and to install a storage tank to replace existing uncovered finished water storage. 

New York continues to increase investments in clean water infrastructure projects. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the 2022-23 Enacted Budget authorizes an additional $1.2 billion, for a total of $4.2 billion, for the landmark Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.

This historic initiative, to be taken up by voters later this year, includes funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality; reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions; restore habitats; strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding; preserve outdoor spaces and local farms; and ensure equity by investing at least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of resources in disadvantaged communities. 

In addition, the budget included another $500 million in clean water infrastructure funding, bringing the state's total clean water investment to $4.5 billion since 2017. It also includes a record $400 million Environmental Protection Fund to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improve agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protect our water sources, advance conservation efforts, and provide recreational opportunities for New Yorkers.   

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