Flushing cash into New York's waterways, Governor Kathy Hochul has greenlit a cool $135 million to swathe the state in cleaner, safer H2O, with funds earmarked for everything from lead line replacements to emergent contaminant obliterations. Local governments are queued up to catch a break from hefty costs that typically crash on the backs of everyday New Yorkers. "These investments keep our water clean, our communities safe, and our costs low while building more sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the future," Hochul decreed in a statement provided by the Governor's Office.
Southampton's about to sip on some federal cash infusion, scoring a $19 million grant for a wastewater refresh as part of the plan, the same plan that's targeting a statewide scour to scrub away lead, with the Village of Bath catching a $2 million pot to reroute lead lines and block them from tainting taps, this canny financial juggle plays its cards right and aims to save residents a bank-breaking fate. Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman told the Governor's Office, "The $135 million announced today is a significant investment in New York’s communities and environment."
In less dramatic terms, the State Revolving Funds, New York's piggy bank for sewer and water infrastructure, are projected to ripple more than $1 billion each year to community coffers. These funds are now buoyed by the tide of federal goodies from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed by a Congress who knows how to make it rain, ensuring the Empire State can keep its waterworks on the modern track. In a release shared by the Governor's Office, Senator Charles Schumer said, "Now, thanks to my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, millions are flowing to communities from Southampton to Syracuse to upgrade water infrastructure."
Dollars will also drizzle over Central New York, with treats like a $10.8 million sniff to the Village of Moravia for wastewater plant upgrades and a splash of cash for storm sewer refurbishments in Owasco, City of Syracuse isn't left high and dry either, nabbing a grant for a key sewer main overhaul, while the Long Island crew is set to get wired with a slew of projects including a $5 million grant for the Water Authority of Great Neck North to get familiar with cutting-edge treatment systems. According to a statement obtained by the Governor's Office from New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley, "The infusion of $135 million by the Environmental Facilities Corporation will help local communities advance critical projects with low-cost financing."
Still, money doesn't just talk—it walks—particularly when it comes to the long-term, with the Board taking a dive into refinancing land, saving future generations of ratepayers a pretty penny in expected interest payments. Think $11.3 million saved in Chesterfield's coffers, a figure that sings sweet, frugal tunes in today's economy. Echoing the state's commitment, the Department of Health's Commissioner Dr. James McDonald assured in remarks sourced from the Governor's Office that they'll "continue to work with our state and local partners on investments that ensure water delivered to consumers here in New York State meets the highest standards."
