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First Investments from the Environmental Bond Act and Latest Round of the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant Programs
Funding Projected to Save $1.3 Billion for New Yorkers and Create 24,000 Jobs
62 Percent of Bond Act Funding Awarded to Benefit Disadvantaged Communities, Surpassing the State Goal of 40 Percent
$30 Million in Funding Incentivizes Replacement of Aging Septic Systems and Cesspools to Prevent Water Pollution
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $479 million in grants for critical water infrastructure projects, including the first funding awarded through the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, which was passed by voters after Governor Hochul pushed to increase the total amount by $1 billion immediately upon taking office. New York State is empowering municipalities by providing the financial resources necessary to undertake water quality projects crucial to safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, bolstering communities’ climate readiness, and promoting economic development. The funding announced today is projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $1.3 billion and create 24,000 jobs across the state. The grants are awarded by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, in coordination with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, and are part of the State's nation-leading commitment to modernize aging water and sewer systems.
"No one in New York should ever fear that they don't have access to clean water,” GovernorHochul said. "We are reassuring communities across New York that your kids, grandkids, and great grandkids will always have access to clean and safe water. This investment will make life saving improvements to our water infrastructure and safeguard drinking water for millions of people, in addition to saving New Yorkers money and creating tens of thousands of jobs."
The grants announced today include nearly $450 million awarded through the State's Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grant (IMG) programs. Funding for this round is made possible with $249 million from Governor Hochul’s historic commitment to water quality infrastructure, and $200 million from the Environmental Bond Act. The WIIA and IMG programs were named as tools in the voter-approved Bond Act to help leverage funding for water quality and resilient infrastructure improvements.
The complete list of WIIA and IMG awardees, including an interactive map and projects by region, is available on the Environmental Facilities Corporation’s (EFC) website.
An additional $30 million is being made available via the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and EFC to targeted counties through the State’s Septic System Replacement Program. These grants support home and small business owners with funding for more environmentally effective systems.
Today’s announcement was made in Suffolk County, where $20 million from the septic program will help address the hundreds of thousands of substandard or failing septic systems and cesspools that significantly impair water quality. Today’s investment builds upon more than $40 million in grants to Suffolk County since the program began. An additional $17 million in WIIA and Bond Act grants are being awarded to Suffolk County communities and public authorities for projects that install treatment equipment that will protect drinking water from emerging contaminants and other system improvements.
Governor Hochul's announcement will help Long Island's water providers update their aging water infrastructure. Long Island is almost entirely dependent on a sole-source aquifer and helping water providers protect this valuable and unique groundwater source is vital to ensuring millions of people in Nassau and Suffolk counties have clean water to drink. This is just one more step the Governor is taking to ensure the people of Long Island have access to clean water.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “New York State is bringing new investment, modern infrastructure, and good-paying jobs to communities, with over half the funding announced today benefitting disadvantaged communities and environmental justice areas. One of the main components of the Bond Act is providing significant funding for water infrastructure. Pairing state investments with Bond Act funding for this enhanced round of grants will help ensure taps are delivering safe drinking water to New Yorkers and that wastewater facilities continue to protect the environment and can withstand the impacts of climate change.”
EFC administers the WIIA and IMG programs working closely with DOH and DEC. EFC collected public comment on draft eligibility criteria starting in March and solicited applications for eligible projects this summer, including outreach during the statewide Bond Act listening sessions.
With today’s announcement, local governments will be able to access project funding to advance Bond Act priorities of water quality protection, climate change readiness, resiliency, and green job creation.
Award Highlights
Disadvantaged communities will benefit from 62 percent of Bond Act funding, amounting to $123 million, surpassing the state goal of 40 percent.
Additionally, EFC awarded $111 million in WIIA/IMG funds to projects that will advance environmental justice, underscoring the State’s commitment to awarding grant funding to communities that need it most.
New York State is awarding more than $214 million through WIIA and Environmental Bond Act funding to improve drinking water systems.
Municipalities across New York State will receive grants for projects that include construction of new water mains, water tower upgrades, system extensions and emerging contaminant treatments. Examples of drinking water projects that were awarded grants include:
· Village of Delanson in Schenectady County (Capital Region) is being awarded $1 million WIIA grant for treatment upgrades to improve water quality.
· Niagara Falls Water Board in Niagara County (Western NY) is receiving $5 million in Bond Act funding for system improvements including replacement of several aged water mains throughout the city of Niagara Falls, a new storage tank to replace an aged tank that is currently out of service, and roof, filter, and chemical system upgrades at the water treatment plant. The project will provide critical finished water storage redundancy and improve pressure and flow throughout the water system.
· City of Plattsburgh in Clinton County (North Country) is being awarded $5 million in Bond Act funding for the third phase of multi-year drinking water system improvements. The project includes development of an additional groundwater source, a new redundant raw water transmission main and instrumentation and controls upgrades. The project will address source water capacity, improve redundancy and improve operational efficiency.
The State is awarding more than $164 million through WIIA and Environmental Bond Act funding for wastewater improvement projects that will improve water quality and reduce potential risks to public health and the environment.
Examples of these projects include:
· City of Schenectady in Schenectady County (Capital Region) is being awarded two grants totaling $5 million in Bond Act funding for projects at the Cowhorn Creek Pump Station and the water resource recovery facility in the city’s continued efforts to make the sewer system more resilient to wet weather events.
· Town of Bath in Steuben County (Southern Tier) is being awarded $1.2 million in Bond Act funding to construct a new collection system at Salubria Lake to address Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs).
· Erie County (Western NY) is receiving a $17 million WIIA grant for upgrades at the Southtowns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility to prepare for future expansion.
· New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority is being awarded $6 million in Bond Act funding for the Bronx River Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan. The project will help strengthen the sewer system’s ability to treat flow during wet weather events and improve water quality in the Bronx River.
· Oneida County (Mohawk Valley) is being awarded a $6.6 million WIIA grant for improvements that will make the county’s system more resilient to wet weather events and reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflows to the Mohawk River.
· Town of Potsdam in St. Lawrence County (North Country) is being awarded $1.3 million WIIA grant for the Route 56 Sewer District project.
The State is awarding $69 million in Environmental Bond Act funding through Intermunicipal Grants to two drinking water projects and a sewer project for communities that are working together to improve their systems.
These projects include:
· Genesee County (Finger Lakes) is receiving $30 million in Bond Act funding for the third phase of a drinking water supply project with the Monroe County Water Authority. The project will upgrade infrastructure in each county to provide necessary water to several municipalities.
· Village of Jordan in Onondaga County (Central New York) is receiving $9.4 million in Bond Act funding for the State Route 5/East Brutus Street sewer extension project with the Town of Brutus. The project will construct a new public sewer in the town and upgrade treatment facilities in the village.
· Westchester Joint Water Works (Mid-Hudson) is receiving $30 million in Bond Act funding for the construction of the Rye Lake Water Filtration Plant to serve member municipalities. The new treatment plant will provide residents with high quality drinking water.
The State is awarding $30 million through the Septic System Replacement Program to target water quality and protection of public health.
The program improves water quality by encouraging and incentivizing homeowners' replacement of cesspools and failing or inadequate septic systems around a waterbody known to be impaired by septic system discharges. DEC and DOH identified priority geographic areas where property owners are eligible to participate based on the presence of a sole-source aquifer used for drinking water, known water quality impairment linked to failing septic systems, and/or the ability for septic system upgrades to mitigate water quality impairments. This newest funding builds upon a total of $60 million in grants administered to date and adds up to 19 new counties eligible for septic replacement grants.
New York State will provide funds to counties to reimburse eligible property owners for a portion of the cost of replacing cesspools and septic systems. Eligible property owners can be reimbursed 50 percent of eligible costs up to $10,000. Counties may also set graduated incentive reimbursement rates for septic system projects to maximize program participation and pollution reduction goals.
With today’s funding announcement, eligibility will be finalized and shared once available at https://efc.ny.gov/septic-replacement.
No one in New York should ever fear that they don't have access to clean water."
Governor Hochul
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos said, “Governor Hochul continues to prioritize the protection of New York’s water quality and today’s exciting announcement awarding the first tranche of Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act funding for water infrastructure demonstrates the State’s sustained commitment to investing in communities statewide. By providing nearly $450 million in grants to municipalities in addition to $30 million to help homeowners replace failing septic systems and cesspools, the State’s investments water infrastructure are instrumental in ensuring clean drinking water and restoring natural resources.”
Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “This latest round of grant funding and the very first under the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, reaffirms Governor Hochul’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers by providing resources to every area of New York State, helping municipalities to improve their water infrastructure, and ensure they can provide clean drinking water to their communities for generations to come.”
Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Access to clean and safe water infrastructure is vital to public health for communities across the state. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, these grants will invest in upgrading infrastructure, improve water reliability, and deliver safe drinking water to our most vulnerable—including smaller, underserved, and disadvantaged communities. This investment of $479 million shows Governor Hochul’s continued financial support to creating healthy, resilient and environmentally sustainable communities in our great state while also creating jobs to strengthen the economy.”
State Senator Pete Harckham said, “Municipalities statewide need to ensure that their aging water and sewage infrastructure is transformed into efficient and modernized systems that can serve residents and businesses in the years ahead. The commitment from Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to major funding for necessary improvements and upgrades to this infrastructure through state investments and the Environmental Bond Act is a giant step for our long-term sustainability—economically, environmentally, and public health-wise, especially in our underserved communities.”
Assemblymember Deborah Glick said, “Clean water is essential for every New Yorker and New York community. I applaud Governor Hochul for prioritizing these historic infrastructure projects across New York State to ensure that every New Yorker can rely on clean drinking water and a sewer infrastructure that doesn’t continue to pollute the environment. This first funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 is an important signal that significant green investments will continue to improve the environment and communities of New York.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, “Clean water and sewer infrastructure are critical to our environment, our regional economy, and the overall quality of life on Long Island. Suffolk County has made historic progress in reversing decades of nitrogen pollution to our bays and harbors. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, we will continue to turn the tide through practical and innovative solutions.”
The Suffolk County Water Authority Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz said, “On behalf of the 1.2 million customers that SCWA serves, I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership. This funding is critical and will help us pay for treatment necessary to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water. Getting this technology in place has been a top priority for SCWA for years now, but it is an extremely costly process. We all agree that safe drinking water is important, and we also need to ensure that we are providing affordable water. These grants help us to keep rates low while ensuring that we can deliver the highest possible quality drinking water to our customers.”
Suffolk County Executive-Elect Ed Romaine said, “From implementing the Carmans River Conservation and Management Plan to preserving thousands of acres of open space, protecting our water quality has been one of my top priorities as an elected official. Having these state grants fund critical water infrastructure projects for Suffolk County will make a great difference in protecting our water quality for generations to come. I want to thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of these projects and providing this funding for our residents.”
The Nature Conservancy's New York Director of Policy and Strategy Jessica Ottney Mahar said, “The Nature Conservancy applauds Governor Hochul, the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation and the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation for providing clean water funding to communities throughout the state. These important funds include hundreds of millions of dollars made possible by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act passed by New York voters in 2022. Along with other critical funding for septic system upgrades in Suffolk County announced today, this funding will protect clean drinking water, improve public health, and enhance quality of life while restoring water quality in our bays, harbors, lakes, and rivers.”
Long Island Association President and CEO Matt Cohen said, “On Long Island, protecting our environment goes hand in hand with spurring new economic development opportunities. That’s why the LIA championed the Environmental Bond Act which has led to smart investments in our water infrastructure that will continue to create jobs, foster significant growth in our downtowns, and improve our coastal resiliency. We commend Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and the voters on Long Island who supported the referendum that has resulted in millions of state dollars benefiting our region.”
Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment Adrienne Esposito said, “Clean water is the holiday gift everyone loves! State funding for upgrading our sewer infrastructure, filtering toxic chemicals from drinking water, and septic replacement programs is critically needed, abundantly welcomed, and strongly supported by the public. Much of our sewage infrastructure is old and inadequate for today’s demands. State funding for upgrading crumbling infrastructure not only protects drinking and coastal water resources but also prevents public health risks when pipes break or systems fail. We are thankful and appreciative that Governor Hochul understands our water infrastructure is a top priority. This significant funding has real meaning for our health, our environment, and our sustainability.”
President of the New York League of Conservation Voters Julie Tighe said, “Clean drinking water is a fundamental right and reducing pollution in our waterways is an environmental imperative. We are thrilled to see new grants from the Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the historic Environmental Bond Act rolling out to safeguard this most precious resource and we applaud Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and improving public health.”
New York's Commitment to Water Quality
New York continues to increase its investments in water infrastructure. Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, the FY 2024 Budget includes an additional $500 million in water infrastructure funding, bringing New York's total water infrastructure investment to $5 billion since 2017. To leverage these investments and ensure ongoing coordination with local governments, the Governor launched Community Assistance Teams this year to expand EFC's technical assistance program and help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding to address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with their water infrastructure needs is encouraged to contact EFC at http://www.efc.ny.gov/CAT.
The voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats, and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. Disadvantaged communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent.