New York State awarded over $265 million for water infrastructure projects

(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has announced over $265 million in funding for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The approval from the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors facilitates low-cost financing and grants, supporting critical initiatives to modernize aging systems and ensure clean water access for all New Yorkers.

"This funding is crucial for upgrading our water infrastructure and safeguarding community health," Governor Hochul stated. "We're committed to ensuring every New Yorker has access to clean, safe water."

The approved funding, sourced from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the State's Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) grant program, will enable municipalities to advance essential projects. Among the recipients, Chemung County stands to receive nearly $200 million in BIL grant and financing for a wastewater treatment plant consolidation project. This initiative aims to modernize facilities, improve water quality, and bring operations into compliance with state and federal regulations.

The Board's approvals encompass financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), along with previously announced grants under the WIIA program. These investments span various regions and address critical needs, from wastewater treatment to drinking water quality enhancement.

Examples of funded projects include:

  • Clean Water Projects:
    • Chemung County: Financing and grants for wastewater treatment plant consolidation.
    • Village of Franklinville: Grants for wastewater treatment facility and collection system improvements.
    • City of Geneva: Financing and grants for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.
  • Drinking Water Projects:
    • Village of Garden City: Grant for the construction of a new water treatment system.
    • Village of Rhinebeck: Financing and grants for water treatment plant improvements.
    • Town of Tonawanda: Grant for upgrades to the water treatment plant filtration system.
    • Westbury Water District: Grant for the installation of an advanced water treatment system.

In addition to funding new projects, the Board approved long-term, interest-free financing for completed initiatives in various municipalities. These refinancing efforts aim to achieve long-term debt service savings, ensuring continued affordability for ratepayers.

Governor Hochul's allocation underscores the state's commitment to modernizing infrastructure and protecting public health and natural resources. The investments made will have far-reaching benefits for communities across New York, ensuring access to clean and safe water for generations to come.

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