Governor Hochul Announces $55.4 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure Projects in 8 Counties

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $55.4 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects, the latest action to upgrade New York's water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies. The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and previously announced grants, authorizing municipal access to the capital needed to get shovels in the ground for four critical drinking water and sewer projects. The Board also approved low-cost long-term financing for six completed projects, providing debt relief through lower interest rates than if the municipalities had borrowed on their own.

"Every New Yorker deserves access to clean drinking water and properly functioning sewer systems," Governor Hochul said. "This $55 million investment will not only improve our water infrastructure but also create healthier communities across New York. We will continue to take steps toward improving our water quality and supporting a healthy and prosperous future for all New Yorkers."

The Board's approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, as well as grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program. Funding for water infrastructure from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is administered by EFC through the State Revolving Fund programs. Visit EFC's website to learn more about water infrastructure funding opportunities.

Through this funding, EFC will provide a grant and interest-free financing to the Albany Municipal Water Finance Authority, with funds coming from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and a state water infrastructure grant. The $3.75 million project will prevent water from the Hudson River from entering sewer infrastructure during high water events.

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "New York State's nation-leading investment in clean water infrastructure together with the historic federal funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping communities large and small to undertake projects that are vital to public health, quality of life, and environmental protection. EFC is pleased today to provide eight municipalities and public authorities with the financial support needed to strengthen critical clean water infrastructure."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos said, "Improving, repairing, and replacing water infrastructure is critical to protecting communities from pollution that could be harmful to the public, the environment, and our economy. I applaud Governor Hochul and New York's partners in Washington, D.C. for providing the state and federal resources to help municipalities pursue these important projects and ensure New York's water quality remains protected."

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "These critical investments in improving the state's public water infrastructure are an investment in overall community health. Upgrading the state's aging water delivery systems is foundational to protecting public health, improving water quality, and promoting a healthy, clean environment across New York. I thank Governor Hochul for her longstanding commitment and financial support of these important infrastructure improvements."

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Clean drinking water is the foundation for healthy, sustainable communities. Governor Hochul continues to invest in clean water infrastructure, which supports public health, economic development and quality of life throughout the State for generations to come."

Senator Chuck Schumer said, "Targeted, impactful and job-creating investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act are now flowing to upgrade ancient water-sewer systems in every corner of the Empire State. From Albany to Oneonta, this over $55 million will make critical upgrades to our aging water infrastructure, ensure our families have safe drinking water, and keep our rivers and lakes free of sewer overflows. It also means jobs, jobs, jobs, uplifting our communities with long overdue projects to make New York's waters healthier and cleaner. I am proud to deliver this historic federal investment to turn the tide on New York's aging water infrastructure."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “This is a critical investment in the health of our families, our communities, and our environment. I fought to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund projects like these across New York State and I’ll keep working to bring home federal resources to improve our water infrastructure.”

Representative Paul Tonko said, "After decades of neglect, our water systems are in a state of disrepair. Millions of Americans have faced the consequences of that inaction in the form of devastating main breaks, harmful pollutants, and a lack of access to clean drinking water. For years, I've pushed to restore and improve this hidden but critical infrastructure and, thanks to the passage of our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I'm proud to see that long-needed federal action is at last reaching our communities."

Representative Pat Ryan said, "I am proud to announce this crucial funding that will help communities across the region get access to clean drinking water as well as providing interest relief. This includes over ten million dollars in investments to Rensselaer and Otsego counties. I look forward to working with partners in state, local and federal government as we continue to deliver for New Yorkers."

Funded water infrastructure projects include:

Clean Water Project Funding Approved:

• Albany Municipal Water Finance Authority in Albany County (two projects) -

• • $1,875,000 grant and $1,875,000 short-term interest-free financing from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and $937,500 WIIA grant to plan, design and construct sewer improvements to prevent inflow from the Hudson River during periods of high river stages and estuary tidal surges.
  • $6,492,198 long-term interest-free financing for construction of the Upper Washington Avenue Pump Station and force main to divert flow to the Albany County north wastewater treatment facility and reduce combined sewer overflows to the Hudson River.

• Village of Champlain in Clinton County - $2,502,000 short-term interest-free financing and $834,000 WIIA grant for disinfection upgrades and capital improvements to the village's wastewater treatment facility.
• Village of Corinth in Saratoga County - $8,177,398 short-term interest-free financing for collection system improvements.
• Livingston County Water and Sewer Authority - $7,652,105 long-term interest-free financing for improvements at the Lakeville Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• City of Oneonta in Otsego County - $6,749,263 long-term interest-free financing for upgrades to the city's wastewater treatment plant.
• City of Rome in Oneida County (two projects) -

• • $3,560,913 long-term interest-free financing for solids handling improvements at the city's water pollution control facility.
  • $3,116,109 long-term interest-free financing for disinfection improvements at the water pollution control facility.

Drinking Water Project Funding Approved:

• Village of Lowville in Lewis County - $1,333,334 short-term interest-free financing, $2,666,666 short-term market rate financing, and $3,000,000 WIIA grant to install two groundwater supply wells, associated transmission mains and treatment, and upgrades to the village's existing water filtration plant.
• Village of Schaghticoke in Rensselaer County - $4,681,658 long-term interest-free financing for installation of new distribution mains, hydrants, valves and services to replace existing infrastructure, a new finished water storage tank to replace an aged tank, and a new water treatment facility to remove iron and manganese from the village wells.

New York continues to increase its investments in clean water infrastructure. With voter approval of the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act in November, there are additional, historic levels of 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; preserve outdoor spaces and local farms; and ensure equity by investing at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of resources in disadvantaged communities.