New York Construction Report staff writer
The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) has approved $340 million for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. This funding will provide municipalities with access low-cost financing and previously announced grants, supporting essential water and sewer infrastructure projects.
The goal is to make environmental infrastructure projects more affordable, sustainable, and manageable, while reducing the need for higher rate increases. Funded projects include upgrades to wastewater treatment plants and improvements to drinking water quality, crucial for protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and stimulating local economies.
“New York State is continuing its historic investments in clean water infrastructure because every New Yorker deserves access to safe, affordable drinking water,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “This is not just an investment in our pipes and treatment plants; it is an investment in the health, well-being, and future of our communities.”
$250 million in subsidized financing will go to three major drinking water projects in New York City, including the $100 million Kensico-Eastview Connection project is the largest water-supply tunneling effort in the city in decades.
Additionally, the EFC is providing grants through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which combine federal and state dollars for community water infrastructure projects. Over $22 million in grants have been announced through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program, with more funds made available for implementation.
Funding also supports regions across the state, including:
- Central New York: $4.4 million in interest-free financing for upgrades to the Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant in Oswego.
- Finger Lakes: $5 million state grant for the creation of Water District No. 5 in Bethany to provide drinking water to 1,000 residents.
- Mid-Hudson: $794,750 state grant for the development of a pump station and force main for the Yeshiva Ohr Hameir Campus in Cortlandt.
- Western New York: $809,750 in interest-free financing for improvements to the Portland Pomfret Dunkirk Sewer District in Chautauqua County.
The Green Innovation Grant Program supports projects across the state that utilize green stormwater infrastructure design and create cutting-edge green technologies.
Competitive grants of up to $3 million are available to help fund projects that improve water quality and utilize green practices such as green stormwater infrastructure, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and environmental innovation to improve resiliency for protection of existing systems.
Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants help eligible communities afford and start the critical planning process, so they can be better prepared to seek grants and financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to complete vital clean water infrastructure projects. The goal of the program is to encourage communities to advance water quality projects to the design stage, and ultimately construction, by funding the development of an acceptable engineering report. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to eligible municipalities.
Grant applications and required supporting documentation must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on April 11.
