New York Construction Report staff writer
More than $425 million will be available through the next round of the New York’s water infrastructure improvement funding programs.
New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act in November 2022. Funding can be used to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change.
Applications and full eligibility criteria will become available at efc.ny.gov on May 3.
“EFC is excited to help make the first dollars from the Environmental Bond Act available through our popular grant programs. EFC thanks Governor Hochul for her proactive commitment to provide funding solutions to our municipal partners to help them confront clean water issues head-on and get critical projects underway.”
“With record funding now available through the Environmental Bond Act and sustained investments in state programs, municipalities have more opportunities to implement necessary projects that protect water quality,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and EFC Board Chair Basil Seggos.
New York continues to increase its investments in clean water infrastructure. In the 2023 State of the State and her 2023-24 Executive Budget proposal, Governor Hochul proposed an additional $500 million in clean water funding, bringing New York’s total clean water infrastructure investment to $5 billion since 2017.
To leverage these investments and ensure ongoing coordination with local governments, the Governor proposed the creation of Community Assistance Teams to provide proactive outreach to small, rural, and disadvantaged communities to help them access financial assistance to address their clean water infrastructure needs. The initiative was recently launched and outreach meetings are underway.
Any community that needs help with their water infrastructure needs is encouraged to contact EFC at efc.ny.gov/CAT.
