New York State has announced $269 million in new funding to help communities upgrade their aging water and sewer systems without placing a high cost on local ratepayers. The State Environmental Facilities Corporation approved a package of low-cost financing and State and federal grants aimed at replacing lead service lines, removing emerging contaminants, and modernizing critical infrastructure.
Locally, the Village of Dresden will receive a $6.6 million State grant and low-cost financing to replace roughly 20,000 feet of old and undersized asbestos-cement water piping. The grant is funded through the State’s Environmental Bond Act. In Penn Yan, the Village will receive $6.2 million in interest-free financing to plan, design, and build upgrades at the Cherry Street Pump Station, including a new force main running to the wastewater treatment plant.
State officials say the investments are designed to protect public health, strengthen water quality, and support local jobs, all while helping municipalities avoid steep increases in water and sewer rates.
“This investment is about making essential water improvements more affordable for communities across New York,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By lowering costs for local governments, we are helping ensure New Yorkers can rely on safe, clean water without facing added financial pressure. These upgrades also strengthen our long-term resilience, ensuring our water systems can withstand future challenges and remain sustainable for decades to come.”
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