Enhanced Awards Continue for Sewer Projects in Small, Rural Communities and for Treatment of Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water
WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman today announced the application period is open for $325 million in State grants for critical water infrastructure projects. The next round of the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant programs delivers on Governor Kathy Hochul’s clean water funding commitments. This infusion of funds will continue to help make water infrastructure investments more affordable for local governments, strengthen resiliency, protect drinking water, and create jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, construction, plant operations, and related industry sectors.
“State water grants are an essential element of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive efforts to modernize aging infrastructure and make projects affordable for New Yorkers,” President & CEO Coleman said. “These investments will help communities undertake vital projects that safeguard public health, protect our abundant natural resources, and bolster local economies.”
Complete eligibility information and application materials are available on EFC’s website at www.efc.ny.gov, where local governments may also register for a July 11 webinar to learn more about this round of funding and how to apply. Grant applications and required supporting documentation must be submitted by 5 p.m. on September 12.
The State has awarded more than $2.9 billion in water infrastructure grants through EFC since 2015. This round advances Governor Hochul’s comprehensive clean water and affordability agendas by continuing enhanced grant awards for projects that address some of New York’s most urgent water quality needs:
- PFAS Treatment:Eligible projects that address water systems with emerging contaminants above the State’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) will be awarded 70 percent of net eligible project costs. Water systems with emerging contaminants between the federal proposed level and the state level will also get enhanced scoring. For all other projects, including those addressing federal MCLs but below the state’s maximum allowed level, a municipality can receive $5 million or now up to 70 percent of eligible project costs, whichever is less. These improvements to the State’s program are designed to help communities be better prepared to comply with future federal standards and proactively safeguard public health.
- Small and Rural Sewer Projects: Even with substantial state support for water infrastructure, many small municipalities still face financial barriers. To address this, Governor Hochul is once again directing EFC to double grants from 25 percent to 50 percent of the net eligible project costs for small communities. This enhanced funding will significantly reduce the financial strain on local ratepayers. EFC’s Community Assistance Teams will continue their dedicated work on helping small and rural communities access state and federal investments to address their water infrastructure needs.
Additionally, municipalities are encouraged to submit applications for other eligible projects including:
- Wastewater treatment plant construction or upgrades
- Sewer system extensions or rehabilitations
- Disinfection and advanced treatment technologies to improve water quality
- Installation or improvement of drinking water treatment systems
- Replacement or rehabilitation of aging water mains and service lines
- Replacement of lead service lines
- Collaborative projects between municipalities to share services or infrastructure
- Cost-effective regional approaches to water and sewer infrastructure challenges
New York’s Commitment to Water Quality
New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York has invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC’s investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.
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Contact: Heather Cameron | 
