New York awards $453 million for water, sewer upgrades statewide

(UI) — New York State has awarded more than $453 million to 83 water and wastewater infrastructure projects statewide, funding upgrades to aging drinking water systems, sewer networks and treatment facilities, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Dec. 19.

The grants, issued through the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure (IMG) programs, are expected to support more than $1.3 billion in total construction activity, according to the state. Projects span from Western New York to Long Island and include both drinking water and sewer improvements.

“New York families should not be burdened by rising water bills and outdated systems,” Hochul said. “With this funding, the State is helping communities take on essential projects without passing unsustainable costs to residents and businesses.”

State officials said the funding package is projected to save local ratepayers about $1.1 billion and support roughly 20,000 jobs, while accelerating projects that address aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance and emerging contaminants.

Of the total awards, $227.3 million will support 51 drinking water projects, while $225.8 million will fund 32 sewer projects. The grants are administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, in coordination with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation.

Several awards include enhanced funding for small, rural and disadvantaged communities, where grant coverage was increased from 25% to 50% of eligible project costs. Those projects include new sewer districts, wastewater treatment plant upgrades and sewer extensions designed to replace failing septic systems.

Enhanced grants also target emerging contaminants, including PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, with some projects eligible for up to 70% state cost coverage. Officials said those awards are intended to reduce financial barriers for communities facing costly drinking water treatment requirements.

The announcement was made in Albany County, where a $25 million grant will support upgrades to the county’s North and South wastewater treatment plants, originally built in the 1970s. The work is expected to improve treatment reliability and reduce impacts to the Hudson River.

Since 2015, New York has awarded more than $3.4 billion through the WIIA and IMG programs, according to the state.

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