By Hank Russell
Two East End municipalities recently received a combined $18 million in state funding to improve their water infrastructure. The funding was approved by the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Board of Directors.
The EFC’s Board approved low-cost financing and state and federal grants that empower local governments to advance crucial upgrades — such as replacing lead service lines and modernizing aging systems — without passing high costs on to ratepayers. These investments protect public health and the environment, reduce future risks, and support good-paying jobs.
The Town of Riverhead received $16 million in interest-free financing for the construction of solids processing facilities. Additionally, the Village of Sag Harbor got a $2 million state grant for the construction of new sewers to allow residents in Sewersheds K and L to decommission their failed or failing septic systems.
“My administration is tackling water quality issues head-on with strategic investments that will benefit New Yorkers for generations to come,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This $288 million investment lowers the cost of vital water projects for local governments, protects public health, and keeps affordability front and center across the state.”
EFC President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “By leveraging State and federal resources, New York is making essential water infrastructure upgrades affordable for communities of all sizes.”