Source: Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
NEW YORK, JULY 12, 2018 -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $275 million in grant funding is available to municipalities with infrastructure projects that protect or improve water quality and/or public health. This funding, available through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act and the Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants Program, is part of the Governor's historic $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017.
"Water infrastructure is the key to economic development and lays the groundwork for future growth and prosperity," Governor Cuomo said. "We are committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to clean water, and I urge local leaders to take advantage of these grant opportunities to make a real difference for the municipalities they serve."
To date, more than $1 billion has been allocated through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act to address clean water and drinking water challenges in New York communities. Projects eligible for grant funding include critical water infrastructure projects that address cyanotoxins associated with harmful algal blooms, combined and/or sanitary sewer overflows and impacts from flooding, as well as the rehabilitation of contaminated water supplies.
Municipalities, county or town improvement districts and certain other entities are eligible to apply for funding.
The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation and Department of Health will assess all projects for which applications have been received. They will evaluate them based on several factors, including protection of water quality, benefits to public health and readiness to proceed expeditiously.
"We want to ensure communities have access to clean water and to protect the health and safety of all New Yorkers," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Many communities, particularly upstate, have aging infrastructure that requires upgrades to operate more efficiently and safely. We understand the challenges municipalities face when it comes to water quality, and this funding for clean water infrastructure projects will provide them with the resources they need to improve systems and support opportunities for economic growth and revitalization."
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Ensuring all New Yorkers have access to clean water is our top priority, and through Governor Cuomo's leadership, these historic investments are making a real difference for communities across the state. In addition to creating and sustaining local jobs, these grants will provide important support to municipalities to upgrade their aging infrastructure and address water quality impairments they cause. I encourage all communities to take advantage of these funding opportunities and know that our expert staff stand ready to assist them through the process."
Grant applications and additional information are now available here and must be submitted along with any required supporting documentation to: [email protected] by September 7th, 2018.
In addition to grant programs, the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation administers the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which offer zero or low-interest financing to communities to further reduce the cost of water infrastructure projects. For more information, please visit the CWSRF or DWSRF pages on the EFC website.
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-275-million-available-clean-water-infrastructure-projects
