Over $120 Million for Local Water Infrastructure Projects Across New York State

Approval of Financial Assistance Authorizes Municipal Access to the Capital Needed for Projects That Reduce Risks to Public Health and Improve Water Infrastructure

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors has approved over $120 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The Board’s approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost 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.

“Improving our water infrastructure is essential for building safe and healthy communities throughout New York,” Governor Hochul said. “This financial assistance makes all the difference in being able to provide safe drinking water to New Yorkers, protect our natural resources and ensure the projects are successful and affordable.”

The funding approved today includes significant investments from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) grant program. The Village of Coxsackie in Greene County, Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority, Franklin Square Water District in Nassau County, and Village of Gowanda in Cattaraugus County will receive funding from both BIL and WIIA for projects that will safeguard drinking water and significantly improve water quality. BIL funding was also awarded to the Town of Yorkshire in Cattaraugus County.

Mohawk Valley Drinking Water Project

Here in the Mohawk Valley, the Village of Ilion in Herkimer County has been awarded a $3,000,000 WIIA grant for Phase II of priority distribution improvements, including upgrade and replacement of watermain, valves, hydrants, and appurtenances.

The Board additionally approved $4,564,527 short-term interest-free financing and $9,129,054 short-term market-rate financing for Phase III of the project.

The Board also took action to help ensure continued, long-term affordability of existing projects which includes approved long-term, interest-free financing for projects located in the Village of Ilion in Herkimer County.

New York’s Water Quality Investments

The funding is in addition to other substantial water quality investments. The voter-approved $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities’ ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats, and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. The first round of Bond Act funding was awarded through the WIIA/IMG programs in December, when Governor Hochul announced $479 million in grants to 156 projects across New York State. Disadvantaged Communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent.