More than $153 million has been made available to support water and sewer infrastructure projects in over two dozen communities across New York State, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The funding, approved by the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Board of Directors, will provide low-cost financing and state and federal grants for local governments to upgrade essential systems without significantly increasing costs for residents.
Governor Hochul stated, “Strong communities start with strong infrastructure. Clean water is a basic human right, which is why we’re prioritizing investments that ensure safe, affordable water for New Yorkers while protecting local taxpayers. These targeted grants and low-cost financing will empower communities to protect public health and our environment while building a more resilient future for generations to come.”
The EFC’s Board authorized the use of federal grants and financing from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds—a combination of federal and state resources used to finance community water and sewer projects. Additional support comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which continues to strengthen these funds.
New York’s State Revolving Funds deliver over $1 billion annually for clean water infrastructure projects statewide. Communities can save up to 75 percent in interest payments compared to borrowing through municipal bonds. Repayments help maintain a cycle of funding for further projects across the state.
The EFC Board also approved previously awarded grants from the Water Infrastructure Improvement program. This approval enables communities to access funding quickly so construction can begin on critical improvements.
Maureen A. Coleman, President & CEO of EFC, said, “These Board approvals ensure that no community is left behind when it comes to clean water. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, EFC continues to make projects affordable, delivering lasting financial solutions that protect public health and keep water service within reach for every New Yorker.”
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), commented on the importance of investing in modern systems: “Investing in water and sewer infrastructure to ensure all communities have access to clean water is a top priority for Governor Hochul and DEC. From Brooklyn to Brookhaven to Buffalo, municipalities need resources…to remove contaminants and improve aging sewers…the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds help bridge the funding gaps that enable communities statewide to address…critical infrastructure needs.”
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added: “Today’s announcement is a testament to Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring safe and affordable drinking water for all New Yorkers. The Department of Health’s Bureau of Water Supply Protection will continue…to work with our state and local partners…to protect public health…from initial design to the twist of the tap.”
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley highlighted broader impacts: “New York State continues to be a leader when it comes to investments in clean water infrastructure…This $153 million investment will safeguard drinking water, strengthen resiliency, combat climate change and create green jobs for generations to come.”
Federal representatives also expressed their support:
Senator Charles Schumer said: “Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water. These major federal investments will ensure families from Ellicott to Port Washington have safe drinking water…I am proud to deliver millions in federal funding…”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “New Yorkers deserve safe, clean water that doesn’t come at an unreasonable price. Low-cost financing…will not only save local ratepayers money but also help communities modernize aging infrastructure…”
Representative Paul Tonko remarked: “Clean, safe drinking water is not a privilege for the wealthy few — it’s a fundamental right for every American…”
Representative John W. Mannion noted: “Investing in and maintaining strong infrastructure is what good government delivers for the people…”
State Senator Harckham said: “Access to clean water is a basic human right…This $153 million investment is a smart, forward-looking commitment…”
Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick added: “This funding delivers much needed assistance for communities facing significant water challenges…”
Projects receiving this round of funding are spread across regions including Capital Region (e.g., Town of Poestenkill), Central New York (City of Oneida), Finger Lakes (Town of Castile; Village of Geneseo; Monroe County), Long Island (Town of Hempstead; Village of Mineola; Port Washington Water District; Town of Riverhead), Mid-Hudson (Town of East Fishkill; Town of Newburgh), Mohawk Valley (Village of St. Johnsville), North Country (Village of Brownville; Towns including Dannemora and Hounsfield; Villages such as Lake Placid, Rouses Point, Turin), Southern Tier (Village of Endicott), Western New York (Villages such as Akron or Cassadaga; Towns like Ellicott or Westfield).
Additionally, long-term refinancing options are expected to save local ratepayers about $25.9 million over time due to lower interest rates compared with other forms of municipal borrowing.
Communities benefiting from long-term interest-free financing include those in the Finger Lakes region such as Newark ($430K+), Perry ($6.5M) and Waterloo ($9M+).
Governor Hochul recently announced more than $20 million in additional grant awards through Green Innovation Grants as part of ongoing efforts by New York State—now totaling $6 billion since 2017—to invest in clean-water solutions using both state funds https://www.budget.ny.gov/pubs/archive/fy26/en/approp-data/2025-26-enacted-appropriations-bill.pdf as well as substantial allocations such as $500 million earmarked in this year’s enacted budget https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-fy-2025-budget-invests-500-million-clean-water-infrastructure .
Communities seeking further assistance are encouraged by officials like those at EFC https://efc.ny.gov/wiia-grant-program-overview , who provide information about project eligibility online along with an interactive dashboard tracking funded initiatives.
