ALBANY, NY, OCT 11, 2017 -- Governor Andrew Cuomo announced nearly $27 million in grants to support 13 essential Long Island drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. These grants are part of a $255 million statewide investment, funded through New York's Water Infrastructure Improvement Act.
"This unprecedented investment continues New York's commitment to helping municipalities develop necessary infrastructure to protect our water resources," said Governor Cuomo. "These investments are crucial to supporting the health and safety of our communities, and help lay the foundation for future growth and prosperity in every corner of this great state."
Under the landmark $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, announced by Governor Cuomo in April, these grants are part of $255 million in funding available for municipalities statewide to support critical water quality infrastructure projects. The Act also made $30 million available for the new Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants Program, which provides grant funds for two or more municipalities sharing water quality infrastructure.
On Long Island, nearly $27 million in grant funds will leverage $71 million in total project costs and provide nearly $45 million in taxpayer savings. This investment will also create 1,160 jobs across the Island. Since 2015, inclusive of this latest round of funding, communities on Long Island have received a total of $34 million in WIIA grant funds supporting $93 million in total project costs.
The projects announced will strengthen Long Island's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in a number of ways including: upgrades and replacements for drinking water systems, filtration plants, and water mains, as well as the construction or enhancement of wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and sewer systems.
