Governor Kathy Hochul announced the availability of $255 million in state grants for critical water infrastructure projects.
This will be done through the State's Water Infrastructure Improvement, Intermunicipal Grant, and State Septic System Replacement programs, reported the state.
Governor Hochul aims to: upgrade New York's water and sewer systems; reduce water pollution; and safeguard vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals.
According to the state, $20 million from the State's Septic Replacement Program will go towards managing 2,000 substandard or failing septic systems and cesspools. An additional $30 million is available through the State Septic System Replacement Program to support home and small business owners in replacing aging septic systems and removal of cesspools.
"Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, clean water and today's announcement represents the latest installment in the State's nation-leading investment to tackle emerging contaminants and protect residents and the environment from dangerous pollutants," said Governor Hochul. "These strategic investments will make lifesaving improvements to our water infrastructure and safeguard drinking water for millions of people on Long Island. New York will continue to prioritize resources for projects that provide reliable, clean water for communities across the state while creating good-paying jobs and spurring economic development."
The funding will directly help update Long Island's aging water infrastructure, according to the state. Long Island depends almost entirely on a sole-source aquifer.
$225 million in grants is included for municipalities to protect drinking water supplies, providing grants to communities that face emerging contaminants in their drinking water. Critical wastewater projects are also eligible for grants.
The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) administers the WIIA and IMG programs and works closely with the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, according to the state.
The state has awarded more than $1.76 billion in water infrastructure grants through EFC since 2015, including $638 million in April. The state reports that EFC has awarded 834 WIIA and IMG grants to 488 communities.
Local units of government are eligible to apply for funding for:
- WIIA grant awards that will fund up to 25% of an eligible wastewater project's total cost, up to $25 million;
- WIIA grant awards that will fund 60% of net eligible project costs for projects that address emerging contaminants above the State determined Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with no cap on the total award;
- WIIA grant awards for all other drinking water projects will be awarded up to 60% of net project costs up to a maximum of $5 million; And
- IMG awards that will fund up to 40% of an eligible wastewater or drinking water project for communities that share services, up to $30 million.
Grant applications and required supporting documentation must be submitted through EFC's website by 5 p.m. on September 9.
Additionally, eligible property owners can be reimbursed 50% of eligible costs up to $10,000. Counties can set graduated incentive reimbursement rates for septic system projects, and additional water quality grants are available.
