By Hank Russell
A local water district received $5 million from the state to update its infrastructure. The funding came from over $37 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State.
The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved grants and financing to local governments from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds – a mix of federal and state dollars dedicated to financing community water infrastructure projects. State Revolving Fund interest rates are below market rate, and with long repayment periods, communities may save significantly on debt service compared to traditional financing.
The Port Washington Water District received a $5 million grant for the construction of a granular activated carbon treatment system for the removal of PFOA and PFOS from existing Well No. 6.
“The Port Washington project is a crucial investment that will enhance and protect our water infrastructure for future generations while reducing the financial burden on our local taxpayers,” said U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove).
The Board’s approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, from treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water, to replacing lead service lines and modernizing aging systems.
“This is how you lead: invest boldly, move fast and protect your people,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This $37 million investment jumpstarts critical projects to fix aging pipes, tackle emerging contaminants, and upgrade infrastructure, all while keeping costs down for communities and creating good-paying local jobs.”