ALBANY, NY (March 17, 2026) — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $250 million in funding to help communities across New York afford water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects, including a $30 million state grant for the Westchester Joint Water Works Rye Lake Water Filtration Plant.
The funding was approved by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors and includes low-cost financing and state and federal grants intended to help local governments upgrade water infrastructure without placing higher costs on ratepayers.
“Communities are working hard to upgrade aging water infrastructure and protect public health, and I’m committed to providing them with the resources they need to succeed,” Hochul said. “With this $250 million investment, we’re making vital projects affordable and ensuring New Yorkers can trust the water they rely on every day.”
The Environmental Facilities Corporation board approval allows communities to enter agreements and access funding for projects that include replacing lead service lines, treating emerging contaminants, mitigating flooding and modernizing aging water systems.
Funding for projects comes from several programs, including the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which deliver more than $1 billion annually in low-cost financing and grants to communities statewide. Additional funding sources include the Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation grant program for replacing lead service lines, Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grants, and Green Resiliency Grants funded through the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said the scale of investment demonstrates the impact of the state’s water infrastructure programs.
“This scale of investment underscores the irrefutable impact of the most efficient and effective water infrastructure investment programs in the nation,” Coleman said. “This week, EFC opened two grant programs that will provide an additional $5.5 million to improve water quality and strengthen cybersecurity, advancing Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to affordable clean water, protecting New Yorkers, and supporting municipalities.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the funding supports projects that protect drinking water and the environment.
“Governor Hochul’s historic investments in water infrastructure are advancing projects vital to cleaner water and safer communities statewide,” Lefton said. “The $250 million approved today is helping local governments replace lead service lines, supporting critical wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, and will be instrumental to protecting public health and our natural environment.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the funding supports drinking water improvements while limiting financial impact on residents.
“Governor Hochul is committed to clean water and healthy communities without overburdening ratepayers,” McDonald said. “This latest round of funding helps communities make critical improvements to their drinking water systems including the removal of lead service lines and addressing emerging contaminants.”
Among the projects approved in the Hudson Valley region is a $30 million state grant for construction of the Rye Lake Water Filtration Plant for the Westchester Joint Water Works.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the project represents an important investment in public health infrastructure.
“Investing in safe, reliable drinking water infrastructure is one of the most important things we can do to protect public health and support our communities for generations to come,” Jenkins said. “I want to thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of this work and for helping make critical projects like the $30 million investment in the Westchester Joint Water Works Rye Lake Water Filtration Plant possible.”
Jenkins said Westchester County will continue working with the state to deliver infrastructure improvements.
“Westchester County is proud to partner with New York State to deliver the infrastructure our communities need today and for the future,” he said.
The Environmental Facilities Corporation board also approved a $456 million bond sale to refinance existing drinking water and sewer projects and provide funding for remaining project costs. Based on current market conditions, the refinancing is projected to save an estimated $21.3 million for local ratepayers. The sale is expected to close this summer.
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This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.