Grants Available to Upgrade Water, Sewer,
Electrical for Pro-Housing Communities
ALBANY—New York State announced on May 22 that applications are being accepted for the new $100-million Pro-Housing Supply Fund. The fund will support certified Pro-Housing Communities with financing essential infrastructure for projects that upgrade sewer, electrical and water system that are needed to advance new housing developments. Investing in infrastructure is critical to expanding housing supply across New York State.
Many communities face barriers to higher-density development due to outdated or insufficient infrastructure. By modernizing these essential services, Pro-Housing Communities can unlock new and more affordable housing opportunities, attract private investment and create more vibrant and sustainable neighborhoods, state officials said.
Pro-Housing certified cities, towns and villages can apply as well as those county and municipally designated, non-profit economic development organizations with a project(s) located within a Pro-Housing certified community. Eligible applicants can apply for grants between $2.5 million and $10 million for projects that qualify.
Applicants must complete and submit a Consolidated Funding Application for review by NYS and the Regional Economic Development Council for the region in which the proposed project is located. Applications must be submitted by Thurs., July 31 at 4 p.m.
Guidelines to Qualify
Funding must be used for infrastructure projects that directly support the creation of new housing units. Eligible uses include the installation, extension or reconstruction of road, water, sewer, electrical or other utilities; design, permitting or engineering costs directly related to the infrastructure project (limited to 20% of total project cost); acquisition of machinery and equipment required for the ongoing operational use of the infrastructure project; site preparation or demolition directly related to the infrastructure project; and other eligible capital uses as determined by Empire State Development.
Projects will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the program guidelines which include, but are not limited to, a demonstrated commitment to directly support a housing project based on infrastructure improvements, number of housing units to be supported, the degree to which the project supports the creation of new housing in areas with a demonstrated workforce and/or affordable housing need, project readiness, the amount of leveraged funding, demonstrated local government support and alignment with regional priorities and Smart Growth principles.
In July 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Executive Order 30 creating the Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes, and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. In the FY25 Enacted Budget, Gov. Hochul made the “Pro-Housing Community” designation a requirement for municipalities to access up to $650 million in state discretionary programs. To date, more than 300 localities have been certified, with more than 470 submitting letters of intent from throughout New York State.
Published: May 28, 2025