Localities to Share $153M in Water Grants, Sewer Funding to Lower Cost of Infrastructure Upgrades
ALBANY—More than $153 million was made available to help more than two dozen communities across New York State advance critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, including a $5-million grant in Dutchess County and another $1-million grant in Orange County.
The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and state and federal grants to help local governments undertake critical upgrades—such as removing emerging contaminants from drinking water—without passing high costs on to ratepayers. These investments protect public health and the environment, reduce future risks, and support good-paying jobs.
“Strong communities start with strong infrastructure,” commented Gov. Kathy Hochul who made the announcement. “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.”
EFC’s Board approved federal grants and financing to local governments from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds—a mix of federal and state dollars dedicated to financing community water and sewer infrastructure projects. Funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to bolster the State Revolving Funds and accelerates progress on essential clean water and drinking water projects.
The Board also approved previously awarded state grants from the Water Infrastructure Improvement program. EFC Board approval is a critical step in the funding process and will allow communities to access these funds and begin construction. Leveraging federal funding with State investments maximizes the impact of each dollar spent, empowering local communities to make critical system improvements they need to keep their residents safe and ensuring cost is not a barrier for project implementation.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “These Board approvals ensure that no community is left behind when it comes to clean water.” She said the EFC is “making projects affordable, delivering lasting financial solutions that protect public health and keep water service within reach for every New Yorker.”
Funding was approved for the following projects in the New York metro region:
MID-HUDSON
Town of East Fishkill – a $5-million grant for the installation of an ion exchange treatment system at the Hopewell Hamlet Water District to remove PFAS, construction of a new well at the Beekman wellfield, and installation of interconnections throughout the town to interconnect several water districts.
Town of Newburgh – a $1-million grant for the construction of inflow and infiltration improvements to the Meadow Hill gravity sanitary sewer system. This grant was funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.
LONG ISLAND
Town of Hempstead – a $7.8-million grant for the construction of an advanced oxidation process and granular activated carbon treatment system for the removal of 1,4-dioxane and volatile organic compounds from the East Meadow Water District Well Nos. 5 and 11.
Village of Mineola – a $5-million grant for the installation of two granular activated carbon adsorption treatment systems and associated appurtenances at Well No. 6 to treat PFOA and PFOS contamination.
Port Washington Water District – a $5-million grant for the construction of a granular activated carbon treatment system for the removal of PFOA and PFOS from Sandy Hollow Wells 1 & 2.
Town of Riverhead – a $1.3-million grant for the installation of granular activated carbon for the removal of PFAS at Plant No. 5.
Published: September 15, 2025.