New York's Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) has awarded more than $416 million through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act and the Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant Program to municipalities for infrastructure projects that protect public health or improve water quality. The awards include more than $120 million for 37 projects to address emerging contaminants on Long Island. These grants are supporting nearly $1.6 billion in project costs, contributing over 20,000 jobs to New York's economy and saving New York localities over $700 million.
"By investing in improving our state's water infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for regional growth and prosperity while also protecting our natural resources," Governor Cuomo said. "These investments in our communities will help ensure residents in every corner of the state have access to safe, clean drinking water, helping to build a stronger New York for all."
To assist with the cost of installing systems to address emerging contaminants, grants for these projects will no longer be capped at $3 million but will cover 60 percent of total capital project costs. Projects eligible for these grants include those which combat emerging contaminants, such as PFOA, PFOS and 1,4-dioxane, with system upgrades and innovative technologies.
Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, New York State's 2017 Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the FY 2020 Enacted Budget make $3 billion available to address critical water infrastructure needs.
Funding for Emerging Contaminants
The State Environmental Facilities Corporation, in collaboration with the Department of Health, has awarded over $120 million to help Long Island communities address the emerging contaminants PFOA, PFOS and 1,4-dioxane. The grants fund up to 60 percent of each project's cost.
Regional Investments in Water Quality Infrastructure
The Governor has dedicated $3 billion for water quality protection across New York. In this funding round, $416 million in grant funding supports nearly $1.6 billion in total project costs for vital drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects statewide. Combined with zero- or low-interest financings through the State Environmental Facilities Corporation, New York taxpayers will save over $700 million.
Environmental Facilities Corporation Acting President and CEO Maureen Coleman said, "Governor Cuomo's commitment to maintaining and upgrading New York's critical water infrastructure has never been clearer than it is today. By increasing the cap on emerging contaminants projects to 60% of project costs, the Governor is letting water system operators and residents know that the state of New York will be with them every step of the way."