From the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul:
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $255 million in state grants for critical water infrastructure projects that will protect public health and the environment through the State's Water Infrastructure Improvement, Intermunicipal Grant, and State Septic System Replacement programs. This announcement marks the latest action by Governor Hochul to upgrade New York's water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals. This infusion of public funds will continue to help make water infrastructure investments more affordable for local governments and create jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, construction, plant operations, and related industry sectors. The announcement was made in Suffolk County where $20 million from the State's Septic Replacement Program will help address more than 2,000 substandard or failing septic systems and cesspools that cause significant water quality impairments.
"Every New Yorker deserves access to safe, clean water and today's announcement represents the latest installment in the State's nation-leading investment to tackle emerging contaminants and protect residents and the environment from dangerous pollutants," Governor Hochul said. "These strategic investments will make lifesaving improvements to our water infrastructure and safeguard drinking water for millions of people on Long Island. New York will continue to prioritize resources for projects that provide reliable, clean water for communities across the state while creating good-paying jobs and spurring economic development."
Governor Hochul's announcement of this available funding will directly help Long Island's water providers update their aging water infrastructure. Long Island is almost entirely dependent on a sole-source aquifer and helping water providers protect this valuable and unique groundwater source is vital to ensuring millions of people in Nassau and Suffolk have clean water to drink. This is just one more step the Governor is taking to ensure the people of Long Island have access to clean water.
"On behalf of SCWA ratepayers, we thank Governor Hochul for making this critical funding available to water providers across New York State," said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. "The Suffolk County Water Authority has proactively allocated tens of millions of dollars to address emerging contaminants through comprehensive testing and the development of innovative treatment technologies, but there is a long way to go. State funding like this keeps costs down for our ratepayers while ensuring the residents of Suffolk County continue to have access to high quality drinking water."
Read Governor Hochul's full press release here
