Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $435 million in state funding for 102 water infrastructure projects designed to improve water quality and support local economies in New York State. The grants, part of the Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grant (IMG) programs, provide significant support to small, rural and disadvantaged communities and are a central component of Hochul 2024 State of the State initiatives.

The funds, administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), are designed to address essential water infrastructure needs. Projects funded through these grants total more than $1 billion and aim to prevent toxic contamination, modernize aging water systems and promote community resilience. This support is expected to save taxpayers $1 billion in financing costs they would otherwise incur.

“Every person has the right to clean water,” said Governor Hochul, noting that the funding would benefit the state’s public health while creating jobs and boosting local economies.

Key to grant allocations

The grants awarded include increased funding for 32 projects in small and rural communities, where costs often fall heavily on ratepayers. Notable recipients include:

• Peru City (Northern Country): $11 million for upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Plant.
• Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe: $9.8 million for wastewater treatment facility improvements.
• Village of Richfield Springs (Mohawk Valley): $9.1 million for wastewater treatment upgrades and sewer rehabilitation.

In addition, the state directed $66 million to projects targeting emerging contaminants such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, chemicals that pose known risks to drinking water. Notable awards in this category include:

• Village of Hempstead (Long Island): $37 million for advanced water treatment.
• Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority: $15 million to address PFAS contamination by interconnecting the water system.

EFC role and community support

To help communities that lack the resources to undertake infrastructure projects, EFC has expanded its Community Assistance Teams, which began in 2023, to help municipalities access grants and complete project planning. Thirteen municipalities partnered with EFC for these grants, including the City of Mina, which received $13 million to build a sanitary sewer system around Findley Lake.

EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “EFC grants are a hallmark of New York State’s nationally-leading investment in water infrastructure,” noting that the agency’s grants help communities “put shovels in the ground” for critical improvements.

The full list of awardees and project details are available on the EFC website, along with an interactive map showing regional funding distributions.

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