Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that $135 million is now available to support local water and sewer infrastructure projects across New York State. The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Board of Directors approved a combination of low-cost financing and state and federal grants, aimed at helping municipalities carry out essential upgrades without imposing significant costs on residents.
“From the water we drink to the places we swim, New Yorkers rely on strong and reliable water systems,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments keep our water clean, our communities safe, and our costs low while building more sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the future.”
Among the newly approved funding is a $19 million federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant for Southampton’s new wastewater collection system and treatment plant in Riverside. This project is part of efforts to protect Long Island’s aquifer system, the Peconic Estuary, and other local water bodies.
The EFC also allocated funds from Governor Hochul’s $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) program. A total of $2 million in LIFT and IIJA funding will help replace lead service lines in Bath as part of a broader statewide initiative targeting lead removal. Thirteen communities are receiving loan forgiveness grants to cover expenses not fully met by federal grants.
Funding comes through New York’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which serve as primary sources for affordable financing of sewer and water projects. These funds receive both state and federal support, with additional resources provided under the IIJA.
According to EFC officials, maintaining well-funded State Revolving Funds is crucial for ongoing repairs, rehabilitation, and modernization of aging infrastructure throughout New York. The programs provide over $1 billion annually to communities statewide.
The board also approved previously awarded grants from the Water Infrastructure Improvement program—including three funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act—allowing municipalities to access funds for implementation after formal approval.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman stated: “The $135 million announced today is a significant investment in New York’s communities and environment. The State Revolving Funds and State water grants are proven programs that help communities meet their water infrastructure needs and plan for long-term success.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton added: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to prioritize investments in water and sewer infrastructure to ensure all communities have access to clean water. The $135 million invested today delivers the resources municipalities need to develop, improve, and implement affordable projects to remove contaminants and improve aging sewers by leveraging the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act funds, and the State’s Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation program. These actions address critical infrastructure needs, protect the environment, and promote good-paying jobs statewide.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented: “This latest round of water infrastructure funding represents Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to safeguarding the public’s health by making it affordable for communities to eliminate lead from plumbing and remove emerging contaminants from drinking water. The Department’s Bureau of Water Supply Protection will continue to work with our state and local partners on investments that ensure water delivered to consumers here in New York State meets the highest standards.”
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said: “Governor Hochul continues to make key investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to create healthy resilient communities and clean waterways. The infusion of $135 million by the Environmental Facilities Corporation will help local communities advance critical projects with low-cost financing to develop stronger communities and a better quality of life for all New Yorkers.”
Senator Charles Schumer remarked: “Everyone deserves access to clean and modern water and sewer systems…these dollars will help give municipalities support needed…It also means jobs…uplifting our communities…and boosting economy with long-overdue projects…make New York’s waters healthier…and cleaner…I am proud…grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership…in fight…turn tide on our state’s aging water infrastructure…”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “All New Yorkers deserve…safe reliable water systems…$135 million investment…will boost public health…support jobs…grow local economies…proud…fought for federal portion…”
Representative John W. Mannion added: “It’s role of government…build critical infrastructure delivers clean water every family needs…I’m grateful…for supporting projects in Moravia Owasco Syracuse…”
State Senator Peter Harckham said: “Investing in water infrastructure projects is key…Thanks favorable financing loans strong grant programs overseen by EFC municipalities upgrade lines remove lead piping decrease contaminants protecting resource saving residents millions.”
Projects receiving funding span several regions:
– Central New York includes Moravia ($10.8M), Owasco ($3.7M), Syracuse ($478K).
– Finger Lakes region receives Rushville ($1.5M).
– Long Island sees Manhasset Lakeville ($2.8M), Southampton ($19M), Great Neck North ($5M), Williston Park ($5M).
– Mid-Hudson includes Cortlandt ($603K), Middletown ($8M), Port Chester ($35M).
– Mohawk Valley gets Oneonta ($5.3M), Richmondville ($15.7M).
– North Country supports LeRay ($3.3M).
– Southern Tier includes Bath ($2M).
– Western NY covers Chautauqua County ($4M) Mayville; Pomfret receives $5 million for forming North End Water District including new mains storage tanks pump stations appurtenances.
Additionally, refinancing was approved—$7 million interest-free long-term financing—for Chesterfield’s drinking-water project projected saving ratepayers about $11 million over 30 years.
New York has increased its financial assistance through EFC beyond $3 billion this fiscal year alone; since 2017 nearly $6 billion has been invested or allocated toward such initiatives.
