The Peru Gazette

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $135 million was made available to help communities across the State affordably undertake critical water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects. The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and State and federal grants that empower local governments to advance crucial upgrades — such as replacing lead service lines and removing emerging contaminants from drinking water — without passing high costs on to ratepayers. These investments protect public health and the environment, reduce future risks, and support good-paying jobs

“From the water we drink to the places we swim, New Yorkers rely on strong and reliable water systems,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments keep our water clean, our communities safe, and our costs low while building more sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the future.”

The funding approved today includes a $19 million federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant for the Town of Southampton’s new wastewater collection system and treatment plant in Riverside. The grant reinforces the State’s commitment to safeguarding Long Island’s sole source aquifer system, the Peconic Estuary, and other water bodies.

The funding also includes a State grant under Governor Hochul’s $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) program. EFC’s Board approved $2 million in LIFT and IIJA funding to replace lead service lines in the Southern Tier’s Village of Bath. It’s part of a broader $469 million Statewide effort to get the lead out. Bath is one of 13 communities receiving these loan forgiveness grants to help cover costs not fully paid for by federal grants, minimizing the financial burden of these vital projects on local ratepayers.

EFC’s Board approved funding from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds — New York’s primary mechanism for financing sewer and water infrastructure. These funds, supported by both State and federal sources, offer low-interest financing to help communities afford essential projects. IIJA funding for water infrastructure is administered through the State Revolving Funds.

Fully funded State Revolving Funds are necessary for New York to be prepared to meet the ongoing need for communities to repair, rehabilitate, and modernize aging infrastructure in the future. The State Revolving Funds deliver over $1 billion annually to New York communities and have been significantly bolstered by IIJA funding. By making clean water financing more accessible, these programs help ensure New Yorkers have access to safe drinking water, prevent infrastructure failures that threaten the environment, and avoid costly rate increases.

EFC also approved previously awarded grants from the Water Infrastructure Improvement program, including three grants funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. Board approval is a critical step in the funding process. It allows communities to enter into an agreement and access these dollars for project implementation.

The combined investment strategy of leveraging federal and State funds ensures every dollar goes further in protecting public health and modernizing aging infrastructure across the state.

Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “The $135 million announced today is a significant investment in New York’s communities and environment. The State Revolving Funds and State water grants are proven programs that help communities meet their water infrastructure needs and plan for long-term success.”