$325 million in grant funding will be made available for clean water infrastructure projects throughout the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement Monday that the money will come from New York’s Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs.
“New York is committed to funding water infrastructure upgrades because every person has a right to clean water,” Governor Hochul said. “With this additional funding for communities across the state, we are providing critical resources to local economies, creating jobs, and safeguarding the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.”
The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) administers both grant programs in coordination with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation.
“Together, in partnership with local governments, we are taking yet another giant step toward a cleaner, more resilient future that will ensure safe drinking water for all New Yorkers and protect our public health and invaluable natural resources,” said EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman.
Hochul added that this round of funding boasts improvements announced as part of her 2024 State of the State Address to maximize benefits for rural and disadvantaged communities. The EFC has been directed to increase water infrastructure grants for small rural communities from 25% to 50% of net eligible project costs.
Awards for emerging contaminant projects are being increased from 60% to 70% of net eligible project costs. This move is designed to help protect drinking water by making it easier for communities to address the threat of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Known as forever chemicals, PFAS do not break down in the environment and can be found in rivers and lakes.
Applications will go live on February 5.
