State and local officials have launched a major new infrastructure project in the City of Albany to replace nearly 2,500 lead service lines, marking the start of New York’s $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation initiative.
The $12.9 million effort is the first project to break ground under the new grant program, designed to eliminate lead from drinking water systems without shifting costs to local ratepayers. The state is contributing $3.9 million to supplement a $9 million federal grant, ensuring the city won’t need to repay any part of the project’s cost.
“Removing lead from our water systems is not just a matter of public health — it’s a matter of equity, safety, and affordability,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
A statewide push to get the lead out
The initiative is part of a broader $340 million state-federal strategy to remove aging, hazardous lead pipes from drinking water systems across New York. The funding helps municipalities like Albany avoid the long-term debt burden often associated with large-scale infrastructure upgrades.
Work will span all 15 city wards, targeting areas where water mains were installed before 1975. The replacements will be completed at no cost to homeowners or renters.
Albany officials estimate that 40% of city homes are still connected to lead lines.
Leaders underscore health and equity
Lead exposure has no safe threshold, and lead pipes are especially common in older cities. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead in drinking water.
“This issue has disproportionately impacted Albany’s historically underserved neighborhoods,” said Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “This program is vital to ensuring every resident in our city has clean, safe drinking water.”
Since 2019, the Albany Water Department has replaced more than 1,700 lead lines. With new state and federal support, officials say they can now accelerate their goal of removing all lead service lines by 2034.
“We expect clean, lead-free, drinkable water when we turn on the tap,” said State Senator Patricia Fahy. “This investment represents one of the first bold steps toward ensuring that reality for every child in the Capital Region.”
Clean water investment at scale
This project is part of New York’s record $6 billion investment in water infrastructure since 2017, including $500 million in the FY2025 Executive Budget.
The initiative also aligns with the Environmental Facilities Corporation’s interactive dashboard, which lets residents track project progress and state funding impacts.
“This is about laying a foundation for a more resilient and equitable city,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
A model for statewide infrastructure equity
Albany’s project sets the tone for similar work across the state. Municipalities that qualify for the grant can move forward with lead pipe replacement without passing costs on to families or small utilities.
Officials say the approach delivers both public health protection and economic fairness — especially in low-income or historically disinvested neighborhoods.
“Today’s groundbreaking is an example of what we can achieve when state and local governments work together,” said Assemblymember John McDonald III.
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