Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction for Critical Lead Service Line Replacement Project in Albany

Strategic Insights -

Albany, a city with a significant proportion of homes receiving drinking water through privately-owned lead service lines, is set to have nearly 2,500 lead service lines replaced. This initiative is supported by the Governor's $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grants - a statewide program to help local governments eliminate lead pipes from water systems. The project, which spans all 15 city wards, is focused on streets containing water mains installed prior to 1975. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of removing lead from water systems, stating that it is not just a matter of public health, but also a matter of equity, safety, and affordability for all communities. The project will provide full lead service line replacement to entire street segments at no cost to homeowners or renters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Governor's $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grants is a statewide initiative to help local governments eliminate lead pipes from water systems.
  • Nearly 2,500 lead service lines in the City of Albany will be replaced as part of the $12.9 million project.
  • The project is focused on streets containing water mains installed prior to 1975 and will provide full lead service line replacement to entire street segments at no cost to homeowners or renters.
  • Albany was one of 12 municipalities awarded this state grant to fully cover the cost of their lead service line replacement.
  • The state grant for Albany, worth $3.9 million, will reimburse costs not fully covered by the $9 million federal grant, so at completion, the city will not need to pay back the $3.9 million in EFC financing.
  • The initiative is part of a $340 million statewide program that combines state resources with federal grants to remove lead pipes from water systems across New York.
  • The replacement of lead service lines is one of the best investments that can be made in the future of communities.
  • Lead is hazardous to human health and can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode.
  • In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead service lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water.
  • Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986.
  • The state's strategic approach provides communities with the resources they need to improve their water infrastructure without putting undue financial strain on ratepayers.
  • The initiative is an example of what can be achieved when state and local governments work together to prioritize the health and safety of residents.
  • Albany Water Department has already replaced over 1700 lead water services since 2019, with the goal of removing all lead water services by 2034.
  • The Water Board created a grant reimbursement program in 2021 to assist homeowners in replacing lead water services, with over 780 grants awarded totaling over $1.2 million.

Statistics:

  • $100 million: The total funding allocated for the Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grants statewide.
  • $12.9 million: The total cost of the project to replace nearly 2,500 lead service lines in the City of Albany.
  • 15 city wards: The number of areas in the City of Albany where the lead service line replacement project will take place.
  • 1975: The year prior to which the City of Albany's water mains were installed.
  • 2,500: The number of lead service lines to be replaced in the City of Albany.
  • 9 million: The amount of federal funding that will be used to support the project alongside the state's grant.
  • 3.9 million: The amount of the state grant awarded for Albany, which will reimburse costs not fully covered by the federal grant.
  • 1700: The number of lead water services replaced by the Albany Water Department since 2019.
  • 780: The number of grants awarded to homeowners in Albany for replacing lead water services, totaling over $1.2 million.
  • 1.2 million: The total value of grants awarded to homeowners in Albany for replacing lead water services.
  • 12: The number of municipalities that were awarded state grants to cover the cost of their lead service line replacement.

Sources:

  • New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
  • US State of New York overnor Kathy Hochul
  • Governor's office press release
  • Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC)
  • New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald
  • Albany Water Commissioner Joseph Coffey
  • Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan
  • Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh
  • Assemblymember Gabriella Romero
  • State Senator Patricia Fahy
  • Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy
  • EFC Project Impact Dashboard