Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved over $185 million in direct financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The Board's approval authorizes municipal access to over $94.7 million in low-cost short-term financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, including treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water.
The Board also took action to help ensure continued, long-term affordability of existing projects. This includes a $189 million bond sale which, when combined with previously authorized grants will save municipalities an estimated $125 million in debt service payments for 25 projects statewide.
“New York is committed to providing reliable access to clean and safe water,” Governor Hochul said.“This historic investment is a key step towards bolstering our environmental resiliency, public health, and economic development in communities across the state.
The funding approved today includes over $44 million from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). BIL funding for water and sewer infrastructure is administered by EFC through the State Revolving Funds. New York City was approved to receive a $42 million long-term interest-free BIL financing for the North River cogeneration and electrification project that’s underway. Based on current market conditions, this interest-free financing is projected to save city ratepayers an estimated $33 million over 30 years. A $2 million BIL grant was also approved for Hicksville in Nassau County for a drinking water project to treat emerging contaminants.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved over $185 million in direct financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State
Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “The significant investment announced today underscores Governor Hochul’s commitment to providing access to clean, safe water in New York State, improving quality of life and opening the door to future opportunities. EFC’s efforts are designed to build local capacity and position communities to successfully and affordably undertake their critical water and sewer projects. EFC is focused on helping communities by serving as a resource – whether the need is for technical or financial assistance.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and EFC Board Chair Basil Seggos said, “This substantial investment approved today will support statewide efforts to upgrade aging infrastructure and safeguard vital drinking water supplies for future generations. Governor Hochul is advancing generational investments to improve New York State's water quality by ensuring local communities have the resources and technical expertise to fund these essential projects, which will protect public health and support safe, clean water supplies in the years to come.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “This significant investment will enhance the state’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. Access to clean drinking water is paramount to public health and this critical initiative will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents throughout the state.”
Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Clean and accessible drinking water is a key priority for communities across the state. New York continues to make proactive investments – including over $185 million dollars – to provide support for improvements to critical water infrastructure. These investments within our cities and towns will help to sustain and improve our water infrastructure for generations to come.”
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “The historic investments I secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law are flowing and getting shovels in the ground to ensure clean safe drinking water and make critical upgrades for wastewater infrastructure projects across the Empire State. These long overdue projects won’t just help make New York’s water healthier and cleaner, but it also means lots of good paying jobs and a better future for communities across New York. I am proud to deliver this critical federal funding to boost these projects, and I applaud Governor Hochul for her leadership. Together, we are turning the tide on New York’s aging water infrastructure.”
Representative Grace Meng said, "As New York's Representative on the Regional Leadership Council in Congress, I am elated to see funding directed to improve our state's critical water and sewage infrastructure. The funding approved includes $44 million in federal dollars provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by House Democrats two years ago. I have long worked to champion water infrastructure improvements and I'll continue to work with the Biden Administration and my colleagues in New York to ensure this unprecedented infrastructure bill is delivering for New York."
Representative Adriano Espaillat said, “I commend Governor Hochul on today’s announcement allocating federal funding I helped secure in Congress through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, to bolster water projects and resources to communities across our state. This funding will be directed to assist clean water and drinking water projects, among others, to ensure the safety and well-being of my constituents and all New Yorkers. Importantly, it will foster disaster resilient infrastructure, stormwater management, and the integration of future-looking climate change projections into New York’s drainage systems.”
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 and Intermunicipal Grant programs.
