A major overhaul of Geneva’s drinking water infrastructure is moving forward after city officials secured more than $12.4 million in state and federal funding to identify and replace aging lead service lines throughout the community.
The funding package, announced this week, includes up to $8.72 million in grant funding and up to $3.74 million in interest-free financing through New York’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The money is being provided through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and administered by state agencies.
City officials said the project will focus on locating and replacing lead service lines within Geneva’s water distribution system while supporting broader improvements to water infrastructure. The effort is aimed at reducing potential lead exposure and improving the reliability of the city’s drinking water system.
Mayor Jim Cecere called the award a significant victory for the city, saying the funding will allow Geneva to make critical investments in public health and infrastructure while limiting the financial impact on local taxpayers. City Manager Amie Hendrix described the award as a transformative investment that will help protect drinking water quality for current and future generations.
The funding was awarded following an evaluation by the New York State Department of Health under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. Final funding remains contingent on federal capitalization grants and project approvals, but city officials said they will continue working with state agencies and project partners to complete financing requirements, finalize planning, and advance construction activities.
Public Works Director Joe Venuti said the award reflects years of work by city staff and residents, including the completion of a lead service line inventory that helped Geneva compete for the funding. Additional information about project schedules, service line replacement activities and public outreach efforts is expected to be released as the project moves forward.
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