New York is directing millions of dollars toward water infrastructure upgrades across the Finger Lakes, including a major treatment plant overhaul in Gorham and wastewater system improvements in Penn Yan.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that the state approved $113 million in grants and low-cost financing for water and sewer projects statewide, with Finger Lakes communities among those receiving support.
The largest regional award went to the Town of Gorham, which will receive $11.8 million in low-cost financing to upgrade its existing water treatment facility into an ultrafiltration plant equipped with granular activated carbon contactors.
State officials said the project is designed to address harmful algal blooms, PFAS contaminants such as PFOA and PFOS, and high turbidity levels in drinking water.
The Village of Penn Yan also secured $83,625 in federal grant funding for disinfection improvements at its wastewater treatment plant.
Penn Yan Mayor Patricia Christensen said the project represents a major investment in the village’s wastewater system while helping limit the financial burden on local ratepayers.
The funding was approved through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, which provides grants and low-interest financing for drinking water and sewer infrastructure projects statewide.
Hochul said the investments are intended to help communities modernize aging systems without forcing steep rate increases on residents.
“Safe, reliable water infrastructure is essential to healthy communities and a strong economy,” Hochul said in the announcement.
The Gorham project reflects a growing statewide focus on emerging contaminants and water quality concerns tied to harmful algal blooms and so-called “forever chemicals,” which have prompted treatment upgrades in communities throughout New York.
State officials said the broader funding package will support projects aimed at reducing contamination, improving wastewater treatment and replacing aging infrastructure while supporting construction and utility-related jobs statewide.
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