Governor Kathy Hochul announced $176 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects that reduce potential risks to public health and the environment, including the first projects in New York State to receive clean water infrastructure funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the Town of Liberty and City of Newburgh. The 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 critical drinking water and sewer projects. The board also approved long-term financing conversions that provide debt interest relief for municipalities on completed projects.
"New York continues to provide unprecedented financial support to help communities upgrade water systems and improve water quality," Governor Hochul said. "Combined with our state's nation-leading clean water investments, this first round of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will help modernize water infrastructure in Liberty and Newburgh and improve water quality throughout these communities."
Of the funding announced, the Town of Liberty in Sullivan County and the City of Newburgh in Orange County will receive the first funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for clean water infrastructure in New York State. Approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the Town of Liberty includes a $6.9 million grant and $6.9 million short-term interest free financing as part of an $18 million financial assistance package that also includes a $4.5 million Water Infrastructure Improvement grant. The funding will be used to expand and upgrade the Swan Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Board also approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the City of Newburgh, including a $3.5 million grant and $2.5 million interest-free financing as part of a $17 million financial assistance package that also includes grants from the Water Infrastructure Improvement program and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The funding will help the city undertake a $31 million project that will increase the ability of the city's wastewater treatment plant to treat wet weather flows and protect water quality in the Hudson River.
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "Today's announcement underscores Governor Hochul's commitment to distribute the investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law efficiently and equitably. I encourage all communities to work with the Environmental Facilities Corporation to learn how they may benefit from this historic level of financial resources for clean water infrastructure."
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos said, "Water infrastructure is critical for our economy, environment, and our communities. Governor Hochul's sustained commitment to investing in infrastructure upgrades and improvements is building stronger and healthier communities and creating jobs across the state. The significant funding announced today will help ensure municipalities have the resources they need to replace and update aging water systems and safeguard water quality."
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Access to clean, safe drinking water is an essential component of healthy communities. With this investment in water infrastructure, Governor Hochul is again showing her strong commitment to protecting and improving our drinking water delivery systems, and to promoting a healthy and clean environment for all New Yorkers."
New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "This first funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will allow municipalities, with aging water infrastructure, begin the process of upgrading wastewater treatment plants, safeguarding our drinking water and strengthening the resilience against severe weather."
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, "Targeted, impactful and job-creating investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act is now flowing to upgrade ancient water-sewer systems in every corner of the Empire State. From the City of Newburgh to Chautauqua County, this $176 million will make critical upgrades to our aging water infrastructure, ensure our families have safe drinking water free of lead, PFAS, and other toxic contaminants, 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."
Representative Sean Patrick Maloney said, "I helped write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure every man, woman, and child here in the Hudson Valley has access to safe and reliable drinking water. I am thrilled that tens of millions from the Infrastructure Law's funds are being put to work right here in our communities to deliver clean water infrastructure, including $17 million for Newburgh and nearly $5 million for Poughkeepsie. This is a big deal and puts us one step closer to ensuring all New Yorkers have the clean water they deserve."
Representative Pat Ryan said, "I am proud to announce this crucial funding that will help communities across the Hudson Valley get access to clean drinking water. This includes tens of millions of dollars in investments going to Liberty, Newburgh and Poughkeepsie. I look forward to working with partners in state, local and federal government as we continue to deliver for New Yorkers."
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 program.
New York received nearly $207 million in clean water funding awarded from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for clean water infrastructure improvements, as announced recently by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Governor Hochul. This is the first installment of nearly $427 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding going to New York for clean and drinking water infrastructure this year. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will infuse the Environmental Facilities Corporation's State Revolving Fund financing programs with additional funding annually for five years. An additional $482 million is expected in 2023 for clean and drinking water infrastructure. These grants supplement nearly $125 million in regular federal funding to New York's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program in federal fiscal year 2023. The Environmental Facilities Corporation estimates the Clean Water State Revolving Fund can provide approximately $1.2 billion in interest-free or low-interest rate financing and grants for clean water project costs during Fiscal Year 2023.
An additional $220 million is expected to be awarded to New York from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for drinking water projects later this fall, supplementing $45 million in regular federal funding for drinking water infrastructure this year. The Department of Health estimates the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund can provide approximately $438 million in interest-free or low-interest rate financing and grants for drinking water project costs during Fiscal Year 2023. Visit the Environmental Facilities Corporation's website to learn more about water infrastructure funding opportunities.
