Governor Kathy Hochul has announced 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.”
The Board’s approval is an important milestone for the Environmental Facilities Corporation’s municipal partners, as it enables recipients to access low-cost financing and previously announced grants to start and complete their water infrastructure projects. The Board also approved various long-term financing conversions that make completed projects even more cost-effective by providing interest relief to help reduce debt for municipalities.
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “As the 50th anniversary of the federal Clean Water Act is observed this month, EFC thanks Governor Hochul for prioritizing clean water investment. EFC is committed to furthering the Governor’s ambitious agenda as we work shoulder to shoulder with local governments to modernize New York’s water infrastructure and safeguard public health and the environment.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos said, “Across the state, the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds are supporting critical municipal infrastructure projects that will reduce potential risks to public health and the environment. With the continued support of Governor Hochul and in collaboration with our partners at EFC, DEC looks forward to communities reaping the benefits of these game-changing projects.”
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “Providing clean, safe water is vital to protecting public health and a foundation for building healthy communities across New York. Governor Hochul understands the importance of modernizing drinking water delivery and sewage systems. We will continue to work together to assist communities in providing clean water that meets the most stringent water quality standards for years to come.”
Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to invest in critical infrastructure that will provide safe and clean drinking water to all New Yorkers. This $31.3 million critical investment through New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation will help six municipalities with the necessary resources to modernize networks of drinking water and wastewater for New Yorkers and improve the ability to withstand severe weather events.”
The Board’s approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program. Visit EFC’s website to learn more about water infrastructure funding opportunities.
Clean Water Project Funding Approved
- Village of Portville in Cattaraugus County (Western New York) – $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.
- Town of Mohawk in Herkimer County (Mohawk Valley) – $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.
- Town of North Hempstead in Nassau County (Long Island) – $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 Approved
- Town of Hounsfield in Jefferson County (North Country) – $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.
- Town of North Collins in Erie County (Western New York) – $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.
- Town of Ticonderoga in Essex County (North Country) – $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’s Commitment to Water Quality
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 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, 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.
Advancing Environmental Justice in Mount Vernon
Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the state has committed a historic $150 million investment and partnership with Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Westchester County Executive George Latimer to address longstanding water infrastructure and related public health challenges that have plagued the city for decades. The Mount Vernon City Council recently approved $6 million in state-funded contracts under the partnership, a key milestone to enable the start of priority sewer repairs and long-term planning for future wastewater projects. An additional $3 million in federal funding was allocated to assist Mount Vernon residents impacted by the sewer and water infrastructure crisis in the city through the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery’s Healthy Homes pilot program announced in July. Interested residents can go to https://stormrecovery.ny.gov/mountvernon to learn more.
Local Governments Encouraged to Participate in Clean Watersheds Needs Survey
The Environmental Facilities Corporation is urging municipalities to participate in the Environmental Protection Agency Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, which the Environmental Facilities Corporation kicked off in New York on March 1. Participation is critical as it may impact how much federal CWSRF dollars will be allocated to New York State to fund future clean water infrastructure projects. Municipalities are asked to document their community’s wastewater infrastructure needs for submission to the EPA. Go to https://efc.ny.gov/needs to submit documentation and for resources to assist with submissions.
