Water-system projects in Romulus, Geneseo and Rochester are among the work approved for funding in a $200 million state package of grants and low-cost financing.
The Environmental Facilities Corporation board approved the assistance, allowing communities to enter funding agreements and access money for drinking water, stormwater and sewer projects, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul's announcement.
Romulus will receive an $830,328 federal grant to replace 8,600 feet of aging water main in the Willard Water District. Work covers Main Street, county routes 132 and 132A, Prospect Street and Route 96A, along with flushing hydrants on dead-end mains.
Geneseo's $1.9 million package combines a state grant and low-cost financing. It will replace 3,300 feet of water mains, hydrants, valves and meters, and eliminate 20 lead service lines on Oak and Second streets.
Rochester will receive a $5 million state grant to replace its filter underdrain system, modify backwash supply piping and improve filter gates.
Grants and loans support different costs
The statewide package combines low-cost financing, federal grants and state grants awarded between 2022 and 2025.
The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds combine state and federal dollars and provide more than $1 billion annually in low-cost financing and grants. Additional support from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has bolstered those funds since 2022, ends this year, the state said.
State Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure grants help communities reduce project costs. The state said those programs have saved ratepayers more than $8.3 billion since 2015. The newly approved package also includes Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation grants, which cover lead service line costs beyond federal grant support.
Other approvals include sanitary and storm sewer separation in Syracuse, lead service line replacements in Gloversville and the village of Herkimer, and treatment and distribution projects on Long Island, in the Hudson Valley and elsewhere upstate.
Local work targets aging pipes
Geneseo Mayor Christopher Ivers said the village's funding will help replace aging infrastructure while preserving its historic buildings. He said Oak and Second streets include longtime residents, college rentals and community group homes.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans thanked the state for supporting the city's water system, saying aging infrastructure creates risks that grow more expensive to repair over time.
EFC President and CEO Maureen Coleman said combining grants and low-cost financing helps communities close funding gaps on projects that can rank among their largest investments.
The $200 million package is separate from nearly $500 million in grants announced earlier in the week for 106 projects, the first installment of Hochul's $3.75 billion water infrastructure plan. New York has provided $10.6 billion for local water projects since 2021, according to the governor's office.
EFC is accepting applications for $45 million in Green Resiliency Grants, and its Community Assistance Teams offer one-on-one help to municipalities preparing applications.
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