Governor Kathy Hochul Announces $176 Million for Water Infrastructure Upgrades Across New York State

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $176 million in funding to support over a dozen communities across New York State in undertaking critical water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects. The funding includes low-cost financing and state and federal grants that will help local governments advance essential upgrades without passing high costs on to ratepayers. This investment aims to protect public health and the environment, reduce future risks, and support good-paying jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The funding will support the replacement of 2,790 lead service lines in Syracuse, part of a broader $469 million statewide effort to remove lead from drinking water.
  • The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Board of Directors approved $22.8 million in State and federal grants for the City of Syracuse to replace lead pipes.
  • The funding includes $14.8 million in estimated long-term debt service savings for local ratepayers through refinancing completed projects.
  • The approved projects will benefit communities in various regions, including the Capital Region, Central New York, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York.
  • The funding includes the formation of new water districts, installation of new water mains, and connection to drinking water treatment systems.
  • EFC's Board approved low-interest, long-term financing for up to 30 years, saving municipalities significant interest expenses versus financing on their own.

Statistics:

  • 13 communities are receiving loan forgiveness grants to help cover costs not fully paid for by federal grants.
  • The State Revolving Funds deliver over $1 billion annually to New York communities.
  • The funding includes $169 million in state grants and $7 million in federal grants.
  • The long-term financings are projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $14.8 million in interest payments over the life of the financings.
  • Over 155,000 linear feet of drinking water mains will be installed as part of the approved projects.

Sources:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul
  • Environmental Facilities Corporation
  • New York Department of Environmental Conservation
  • New York State Health Commissioner
  • New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley
  • Senator Charles Schumer
  • Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
  • Representative Tom Suozzi
  • Representative John W. Mannion
  • State Senator Pete Harckham