Hochul Announces $49M for NY Water Infrastructure Upgrades

TL/DR -

Over $49 million has been approved by the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. This includes over $20 million from the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with a $13 million grant specifically for the Buffalo Sewer Authority to modernize the treatment system at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Funding has also been approved for projects in the Town of Herman in St. Lawrence County and the Town of Lyons in Wayne County.

Over $49 Million Approved for Water Infrastructure Upgrades Across New York State

The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors has approved $49 million for water infrastructure projects in New York State. This financial assistance will aid municipalities in obtaining over $37 million in low-cost short-term financing and grants to improve drinking water and sewer systems throughout the state. This funding will enhance water quality and promote economic growth.

"New York State continues to prioritize safe, clean water for all communities and remains at the forefront of innovative water infrastructure funding solutions," Governor Hochul said.

The approved funding includes over $20 million from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), including a $13 million grant for the Buffalo Sewer Authority. This grant will help update the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, increasing its capacity, improving water quality in the Niagara River, and reducing the impact on local ratepayers. New York State has already committed $55 million towards the project.

Funding was also approved for the Town of Herman in St. Lawrence County and the Town of Lyons in Wayne County, along with other essential projects. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), and the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grant (IMG) programs provide the BIL funding for water and sewer infrastructure.

The Board also approved long-term interest-free financing totaling $11 million for existing projects, providing municipalities with significant interest savings. Projects approved for this funding include the Village of Ilion in Herkimer County (Mohawk Valley), the Village of Medina in Orleans County (Finger Lakes), and the City of Utica in Oneida County (Mohawk Valley).

"New York State is a leader and a great partner. Thanks to the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, NY is seizing the opportunity to implement the water infrastructure projects it needs and deserves," EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer commended the funding, stating it ensures New Yorkers' access to clean drinking water and modern sewer systems, spurring economic growth and job creation.

These investments fall under New York's $5.5 billion commitment to water infrastructure since 2017. The Governor's Executive Budget proposed an additional $500 million over two years. These investments reinforce the Governor's State of the State initiative to increase water infrastructure grants for small rural communities. For water infrastructure assistance, communities are encouraged to contact EFC at https://www.efc.ny.gov/CAT.

This funding is in addition to the voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, which provides 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.

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