ALBANY— New York State officials announced on Feb. 9, $40.3 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects, including the first drinking water project in New York State to receive infrastructure funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Albany. The 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 vital drinking water and sewer projects that reduce potential risks to public health and the environment.

Communities need financial support to help them undertake critical water infrastructure improvement projects. The state prioritized $500 million in investment in clean water infrastructure for the 2024 Executive Budget released earlier this month. The funding announced on Feb. 9 is earmarked to help help municipalities modernize drinking water facilities and upgrade wastewater infrastructure to improve water quality and public health in their communities.

The Albany Municipal Water Finance Authority will receive the first funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for drinking water infrastructure in New York State. Approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the authority includes a $1.27 million grant and $1.83 million short-term interest free financing. This funding is in addition to a $3-million state water grant. The funding will be used to modernize aging infrastructure at three facilities in the Albany Water System, including the Feura Bush Filtration Plant, the Pine Bush Pump Station and the Loudonville Reservoir.

Among the other Clean Water project awards included a $1.75-million WIIA grant to the Town of Harrison to survey and rehabilitate the town’s wastewater collection system to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows to Long Island Sound.

The EFC’s Board’s approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and grants already announced pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvement program. Funding for water infrastructure from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is administered by EFC through the State Revolving Fund programs. Funding for the first clean water infrastructure projects using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in November.