Albany, N.Y., approves $175 million for statewide water, sewer upgrades

(UI) — More than $175 million in grants and financing for water and sewer infrastructure projects has been approved across New York State, according to an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC).

The funding, approved by the EFC Board of Directors, will support more than a dozen municipal projects designed to improve drinking water systems, rehabilitate aging sewer infrastructure, and increase water system resilience. Communities receiving funds span the state, from Sylvan Beach and Malone in the north to Mayville in the west.

“An investment in our state's water systems is an investment in New Yorkers’ quality of life – from safeguarding our drinking water to protecting the rivers and lakes we use for recreation,” Gov. Hochul said. “By ensuring communities have the resources they need to complete crucial water infrastructure projects, we can create good-paying jobs and boost local economies while working toward a healthy environment for all New Yorkers.”

The funding includes a mix of long-term, interest-free financing and previously awarded grants. The money comes from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which are made up of federal and state dollars. With interest rates below market and extended repayment terms, these loans are designed to help municipalities lower the cost of upgrading critical infrastructure.

In addition, the Board approved long-term refinancing of completed projects to save communities an estimated $23 million in future interest costs.

Among the larger projects:

• Village of Sylvan Beach (Mohawk Valley): $51.1 million to upgrade the East Oneida Lake Water Pollution Control Plant.
• City of Port Jervis (Mid-Hudson): $20 million for water meter replacements and sewer system rehabilitation.
• Village of Naples (Finger Lakes): $22.2 million for a new wastewater treatment plant and sanitary sewers.
• Village of Mayville (Western New York): $7.5 million for a new groundwater well or treatment upgrades for PFOA-contaminated water.
• Town of Erwin (Southern Tier): $10.8 million for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and sewer extensions along Route 417.

Additional communities including Malone, Clayton, Chazy, Lyons Falls, and Plattsburgh will also receive funding for projects involving new transmission mains, raw water storage, sewer pump stations, and asbestos-cement pipe replacements.

“The Environmental Facilities Corporation is proud to support communities across New York State that invest in clean, safe, and reliable water infrastructure,” said EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman. “These approvals are symbolic of Governor Hochul’s commitment to affordability, public health, environmental protection, and economic resilience.”

New York officials emphasized the broader economic and environmental benefits of these upgrades, including job creation and climate resilience.

“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to make nation-leading investments in clean water and transformational infrastructure projects that protect water quality and maintain the health and safety of all New Yorkers,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton.

Communities can track project status and funding data through the state’s Project Impact Dashboard, an interactive map showing each project's progress.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the role of federal dollars: “This major federal investment will ensure families from Sylvan Beach to Port Jervis have safe drinking water and our beautiful waterways stay clean, all while creating new good-paying jobs.”

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