ALBANY—New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Jan. 13 a total of $143 million in financial assistance for seven water infrastructure improvement projects, the latest action to upgrade New York’s water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and previously announced grants, authorizing municipal access to the capital needed to get shovels in the ground for critical drinking water and sewer projects in New York City and the Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson and North Country regions.

“These low-cost financings and grants are the building blocks for municipalities to modernize and protect their critical water infrastructure,” Gov. Hochul said. “My administration will continue to tackle clean water issues head-on with strategic investments that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come.”

The board’s approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, as well as grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement grant program.

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “This $143-million infrastructure investment will provide cleaner, safer water, all while saving ratepayers money and creating good-paying jobs. EFC is pleased to work with our partners in state government to provide the funding that make these critical projects possible.”

A majority of the Drinking Water Project funding is earmarked for projects in New York City and the Mid-Hudson Valley, including:

New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority (two projects)

$100,000,000 short-term market-rate financing to excavate and construct Shafts 17B-1 and 18B-1 in City Tunnel No. 3 in Queens to provide redundancy for the city’s water system as well as allowing better flow control and management of the water system.

$22,000,000 short-term market-rate financing to design and construct the Croton Water Filtration Plant and associated facilities.

Village of Harriman in Orange County (two projects)

$538,551 WIIA grant to install a granular activated carbon treatment system for the removal of emerging contaminants from Well No. MH-1A.

$284,955 WIIA grant to install approximately 600 linear feet of eight-foot ductile iron water main from the existing distribution system located on Harriman Heights Road to Well HH #3.