Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $232 million to seven municipalities for drinking water and sewer infrastructure projects that are crucial to protecting public health and the environment. The previously announced grants and low-cost financing packages approved by the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors will support water infrastructure projects totaling more than $763 million.
"In far too many communities, critical water infrastructure has been left to fall into disrepair, but here in New York we are taking action to protect the health and well-being of New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "This $232 million infrastructure investment for wastewater treatment and public water systems will help our partners in local government make substantial investments to improve water infrastructure and furthers the State's commitment to improving water quality today and far into the future - creating a healthier, more prosperous New York for generations to come."
The financial assistance approved by the Board includes short-term financings and previously announced grants that will provide capital to local governments to help get shovels in the ground for critical projects. The board also approved various long-term financing conversions that provide interest relief for completed projects and help reduce debt for municipalities.
Of the project funding, approximately $200 million in interest-free financing has been approved for three wastewater treatment plant projects in Long Island that improve resiliency and water quality.
The Board's approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program. Visit EFC's website to learn more about water infrastructure funding opportunities.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "Clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects can be daunting financial undertakings for New York State communities large and small yet are so critical to the health and safety of New Yorkers. EFC is pleased that the low-cost financings and grants approved by the EFC Board today will help seven local governments affordably build projects that will protect water quality for years to come. EFC thanks Governor Hochul for her leadership in New York's unprecedented support to help communities improve water quality, as exhibited with her recent announcement of the availability of $225 million in state water grants. EFC encourages local governments to take advantage of this funding opportunity and submit applications to EFC before the Sept. 9 deadline."
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and EFC Board Chair Basil Seggos said, "Upgrades to New York's aging water infrastructure are essential to improving water quality, enhancing habitat, and enabling our communities to prosper. The funding and financing announced by Governor Hochul today are instrumental to advancing projects, like DEC's partnership with Nassau County on the critical Bay Park Conveyance Project, so they can provide long-term benefits that protect coastal communities, prevent water pollution, and ensure clean drinking water."
State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Governor Hochul understands that a significant investment in water infrastructure is necessary to ensure a clean environment and protect the public health of all residents for many years to come. The State Health Department continues to work closely with the Environmental Facilities Corporation and Department of Environmental Conservation to provide guidance and assistance to local agencies to ensure sustainable compliance with New York State water standards."
Department of State Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Governor Hochul recognizes that strategic infrastructure investments like these provide the foundation for sustainable, long-term community health and vibrancy. These investments in water and sewer infrastructure will pay dividends for generations by protecting public health, supporting community development and promoting economic prosperity."
Clean Water Project Funding Approved
- City of Kingston in Ulster County - $6,184,958 in short-term, interest-free financing and a $1,975,000 WIIA grant for wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
- Nassau County - $47,500,000 in short-term, interest-free financing, $47,500,000 in short-term, market-rate financing and $26,812,500 in long-term, interest-free financing to plan, design and construct effluent flow diversions from the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant. The project will provide resiliency, flood mitigation and improve water quality in Reynolds Channel.
- Village of Lowville in Lewis County - $10,809,000 in long-term, interest-free financing to rehabilitate deteriorated sanitary sewers and to install a new stormwater collection and conveyance system.
- Suffolk County - $81,624,796 in long-term, interest-free financing to replace the effluent outfall that extends from the Bergen Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Jones Beach barrier island beneath the Great South Bay.
- Village of Vernon in Oneida County - $5,212,500 in long-term, interest-free financing and $750,000 WIIA grant to design and construct wastewater treatment plant improvements.
Drinking Water Project Funding Approved
- Village of South Dayton in Cattaraugus County - $1,401,900 in short-term, interest-free financing and $1,823,100 grant from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for well source improvements, groundwater treatment improvements, treatment tank rehabilitation, replacement of approximately 4,200 feet of distribution mains and the replacement of approximately 250 water meters.
- Village of Philadelphia in Jefferson County - $683,400 WIIA grant to construct a water treatment building, to connect and improve a groundwater production well, and water main installation.
State Water Grant Applications Due September 9
EFC is currently accepting applications for $225 million in grants available through the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grants (IMG) programs, as announced by Governor Hochul in July. This latest round of grants will continue to help make water infrastructure investments more affordable for local governments and create jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, construction, plant operations, and related industry sectors. Local governments can learn more and apply at efc.ny.gov/wiia. Applications are due September 9.
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, would 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 approved $6 million in state-funded contracts earlier this month 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 stormrecovery.ny.gov/mountvernon to learn more.
Local Governments Encouraged to Participate in Clean Watersheds Needs Survey
EFC is urging municipalities to participate in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Watersheds Needs Survey which EFC 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.
