Governor Kathy Hochul has announced more than $20 million in funding for clean water initiatives across New York State. The awards, timed to coincide with National Water Quality Month, are being distributed through the Green Innovation Grant Program and Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to clean, safe water, and we’re making that happen by investing in smart, affordable infrastructure upgrades,” Governor Hochul said. “From planning to construction, we’re supporting communities every step of the way so families across the state can count on reliable water systems for years to come.”
The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) will distribute $17 million from the Green Innovation Grant Program to 12 projects focused on stormwater infrastructure and water efficiency. These projects aim to use nature-based solutions to mitigate flooding, reduce runoff, and improve water quality while also promoting economic development.
Additionally, over $3 million will be awarded as Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants among 59 communities. These grants help local governments prepare engineering reports necessary for advancing infrastructure projects toward construction.
Among the highlighted recipients of the Green Innovation Grant Program are:
– Green-Wood Cemetery in New York City ($1.8 million) for a stormwater resilience project targeting reduced sewer overflows into local waterways.
– City of Lockport in Niagara County ($1.4 million) for streetscape improvements incorporating green infrastructure.
– Village of Malone in Franklin County ($3 million) for installing water meters as part of a system upgrade.
– New York City Department of Parks and Recreation ($1.3 million) for final funding needed on the Bridge Park South Expansion project.
Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants include:
– Town of Hague in Warren County ($48,500) to study extending sanitary sewer service along Lake George’s shore.
– Village of Lake Placid in Essex County ($50,000) for evaluating sanitary sewers on Main Street.
– Village of Medina in Orleans County ($50,000) for assessing wastewater treatment plant conditions.
– Village of Morrisville in Madison County ($50,000) studying consolidation feasibility with SUNY Morrisville’s treatment plants.
– City of Oneonta in Otsego County ($100,000) investigating inflow sources into its sewer system.
– Village of Ossining in Westchester County ($50,000) identifying pollution sources entering its stormwater system.
– Town of Tonawanda in Erie County ($100,000) evaluating sanitary sewers near Two Mile Creek and Ellicott Creek.
– Town of Urbana in Steuben County ($42,000) considering connecting properties currently using septic systems to Hammondsport’s collection system.
Full lists and descriptions are available at www.efc.ny.gov.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said: “These grants are an essential part of New York State’s commitment to investing in storm-ready clean water infrastructure while minimizing the financial impact on local ratepayers. This funding will help communities plan for vital infrastructure upgrades and fortify their systems for extreme weather, improving water quality and system resilience.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “From Westchester County to Western New York, and the Capital Region to the Finger Lakes, New York is improving infrastructure to ensure communities in the state can secure access to clean water and invest in long-term resiliency. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, the $17 million in Green Innovation Grant Program and $3 million in Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants will get to many places that need the funding the most.”
Senator Charles Schumer added: “Thanks to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, water and sewer upgrades are getting underway across New York to ensure all have access to safe, clean drinking water and modern sewer systems. These federal and state dollars will help give New York’s communities the support they need to improve water quality and modernize critical water systems, all while creating a steady stream of jobs, jobs, jobs. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to good use and will continue the fight to turn the tide on our state’s aging water infrastructure, create jobs for New Yorkers, and keep our communities safe and healthy.”
Representative Tim Kennedy commented: “Clean water is fundamental to public health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. This funding delivers crucial support to local governments working to modernize aging water infrastructure… Access to clean water is a human right… I will continue my fight…for clean water programs that will benefit Western New York.”
State Senator Pete Harckham noted: “This major investment from the state…will extend financial support… Maintaining safe…infrastructure…are all integral…”
NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa remarked: “As New York faces an increase in extreme weather events… The funding from this Green Innovation Grant will help expand park space… providing more greenspace… We’re extremely grateful…”
The Nature Conservancy’s Bill Ulfelder stated: “The Nature Conservancy commends Governor Hochul…for providing critical funding… Essential…projects safeguard clean drinking water…”
NYCOM Executive Director Barbara J. Van Epps said: “…These grants not only help municipalities deliver critical clean water projects… From flood mitigation…to sewer upgrades…”
New York Association of Towns Executive Director Christopher A. Koetzle said: “…We thank Gov. Hochul…and NYSEFC for providing this critical support…”
New York continues significant investment efforts toward upgrading its statewide clean-water infrastructure. The latest round includes $500 million allocated through next year’s enacted budget—bringing total investments since 2017 up toward $6 billion.
Communities seeking assistance or tracking ongoing projects can visit EFC’s website or use its interactive dashboard.
