New York awards $435 million to boost water infrastructure across state

(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York is awarding over $435 million to fund 102 critical water infrastructure projects statewide. This support, through the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grant (IMG) programs, aims to help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities address their water infrastructure needs.

“New York is committed to funding water infrastructure upgrades because every person has a right to clean water,” Governor Hochul said. “With this funding for communities across the State, we are providing critical resources to local economies, creating jobs, and safeguarding the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.”

The grants, awarded by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), will back projects totaling over $1 billion. These initiatives will enhance water and wastewater systems, protect drinking water, and improve community resilience. Ratepayers across New York could save an estimated $1 billion in costs thanks to these grants.

EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman underscored the impact of the grants on local communities: “EFC's grants are a hallmark of New York State's robust, nation-leading investment in the environment, which will help municipalities affordably invest in water infrastructure improvement projects. These grants will help get shovels in the ground for 102 water quality projects across New York State.”

As part of the State’s commitment to supporting smaller communities, Governor Hochul directed EFC to increase grant coverage from 25% to 50% for project costs in small, rural areas. This adjustment provides substantial relief for municipalities that would otherwise need to pass expenses onto their residents.

Some of the largest awards include $11 million for water plant upgrades in Peru, $9.8 million for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s wastewater treatment improvements, and $9.1 million for upgrades in the Village of Richfield Springs.

In addition, the State is addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, with awards covering up to 70% of eligible costs. These efforts include projects in the Village of Hempstead, which received $37 million to tackle PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane contamination, and Suffolk County, which secured $4.9 million to deploy advanced oxidation techniques to eliminate contaminants from groundwater.

Since 2015, New York has allocated over $2.9 billion in water infrastructure grants. The awards are administered by EFC in collaboration with the Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation. Sean Mahar, DEC’s Interim Commissioner, emphasized the significance of these investments: “Today’s award of $435 million will support more than 100 water projects across the State to protect public health and the environment."

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