Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $176 million is being made available to help more than a dozen communities across New York 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 critical 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.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to clean water, and today’s announcement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting public health, the environment and the affordability of essential services,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in water infrastructure upgrades across the State, we are not only addressing urgent needs — like replacing lead service lines and removing harmful contaminants — but also ensuring that no community is left behind in our pursuit of a healthier, more resilient New York.”
The funding approved today includes a State grant under Governor Hochul’s $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) program. EFC’s Board approved $22.8 million in LIFT and federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding to replace 2,790 lead pipes in the City of Syracuse. It’s part of a broader $469 million Statewide effort to get the lead out. Syracuse 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…