New York Approves Over $49m for Crucial Water Infrastructure

New York State, under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, has green-lit more than $49 million in direct financial aid for essential water infrastructure upgrades across various municipalities, announced by Governor Hochul’s office on Thursday.

The approval by the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors unlocks access to funds through short-term financing and previously announced grants aimed at modernising drinking water and sewer systems throughout the state.

A significant portion of the funding, totalling over $20 million, originates from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a landmark legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021.

The allocated funds will be channeled into critical clean water projects, including:

1. Buffalo Sewer Authority: Receives a grant of $13,869,533 for planning, design, and construction of secondary treatment upgrades at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

2. Town of Caneadea, Allegany County: Granted $430,000 for planning, design, and construction of a disinfection system at the town’s wastewater treatment plant.

3. Town of Hume, Allegany County: Secures $2,448,000 in short-term interest-free financing, $1,000,000 in short-term market-rate financing, and an $816,000 grant for planning, design, and construction of a pump station and force main.

4. Town of Lyons, Wayne County: Awarded $804,655 in short-term interest-free financing, $2,100,000 grant from BIL general supplemental funds, and an $804,655 grant from Environmental Bond Act funds for improvements to the town’s wastewater treatment plant.

5. Village of Mount Kisco, Westchester County: Granted $2,375,000 for planning, design, and construction of improvements to the Saw Mill Pump Station and replacement of the Branch Brook Trunk Sewer.

Moreover, the funding will address crucial drinking water projects including:

1. Village of Franklinville, Cattaraugus County: Provided with $1,191,800 in short-term market-rate financing and a $2,850,000 grant for improvements to well-houses and replacement of watermains.

2. Town of Hermon, St. Lawrence County: Granted $1,988,850 in short-term interest-free financing, $1,640,650 grant from BIL general supplemental funds, and additional financing for various water infrastructure developments.

3. Niagara County Water District: Awarded $1,245,750 for the replacement of the water treatment plant’s one-million-gallon wash water tank.

Governor Hochul emphasised New York State’s commitment to ensuring safe, clean water for all communities, applauding the innovative funding solutions that prioritise effective infrastructure improvements. These investments are expected to deliver long-lasting benefits to communities across the state, underscoring New York’s proactive stance towards sustainable water management.