The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation announced $435 million in Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) grants across 102 projects statewide, funding critical water infrastructure improvements throughout New York State. Among the largest single recipients, the Suffolk County Water Authority has been awarded $21.5 million this year—the largest grant SCWA has received through the WIIA program to date, surpassing its previous record of $21.4 million in 2021. Since 2019, SCWA has aggressively pursued grant funding and successfully secured more than $92 million from federal, state and local sources to enhance water quality, expand access to public water and treatment capacity.
The new funds will support SCWA’s installation of 17 Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters for removing PFAS and five Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) systems for treating 1,4-dioxane—two contaminants identified as public health priorities. This grant funding reduces the cost of installations and allows SCWA to limit expenses passed on to customers and maintain some of the lowest water rates in New York.
SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz emphasized the importance of these investments: “On behalf of our 1.2 million customers, we thank Governor Hochul and the State of New York for this critical support. High-quality drinking water requires proactive investments in treatment technology, and grant funding allows us to stay at the forefront of emerging contaminants while minimizing costs for our customers.”
SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo added, “Our strategy to seek out and secure grant funding directly benefits our customers. This award enhances our ability to install state-of-the-art treatment systems, addressing current and future water quality challenges without adding a significant burden on ratepayers.”
The WIIA program funds up to 60% of allowable project costs, with recipients covering the remaining 40%. This year’s grant period benefits from the New York State Environmental Bond Act, approved in 2022, which pledges $4.2 billion toward environmental initiatives, with a significant portion dedicated to drinking water projects.
About the Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates on a not-for-profit basis without taxing power.