Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Mar. 12 that $250 million will be allocated to help communities throughout New York State afford improvements to water and sewer infrastructure. The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and grants, enabling local governments to upgrade systems such as lead service line replacements, flood mitigation, and modernization of aging facilities without imposing high costs on ratepayers.
The funding aims to protect public health, safeguard the environment, reduce future risks, and support jobs. Governor Hochul said, “Communities are working hard to upgrade aging water infrastructure and protect public health, and I’m committed to providing them with the resources they need to succeed. With this $250 million investment, we’re making vital projects affordable and ensuring New Yorkers can trust the water they rely on every day.”
The Board’s approval allows communities to access funds through several programs: the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds; Governor Hochul’s Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) grant program; Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grants; and Green Resiliency Grants funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. Projects receiving funding span regions including Finger Lakes, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said these investments demonstrate “the irrefutable impact of the most efficient and effective water infrastructure investment programs in the nation.” She added that EFC has opened two additional grant programs totaling $5.5 million for water quality improvement and cybersecurity.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said that “Governor Hochul’s historic investments in water infrastructure are advancing projects vital to cleaner water and safer communities statewide.” Other officials from state agencies echoed support for the initiative’s focus on affordability while improving public health outcomes.
Local leaders expressed gratitude for the funding’s impact on their communities. City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said it would help remove all lead service lines from Rochester’s drinking water system by 2030. Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs called clean water a necessity rather than a luxury.
Senator Charles Schumer highlighted federal contributions through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law: “This major federal investment will ensure families have safe drinking water…all while creating a steady stream of jobs.”
The Board also approved a $456 million bond sale aimed at refinancing completed projects for long-term savings—projected at $21.3 million—for local ratepayers across 18 recipients statewide.
Looking ahead, EFC is accepting applications for new grants related to wastewater engineering planning and cybersecurity improvements. Municipalities can seek assistance through Community Assistance Teams or track project progress via an interactive dashboard.