Governor Kathy Hochul has announced more than $20 million in funding for clean water initiatives across New York State. The grants are being awarded through the Green Innovation Grant Program and Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants, with the goal of helping communities modernize water infrastructure, protect public health, and increase resilience to extreme weather.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to clean, safe water, and we’re making that happen by investing in smart, affordable infrastructure upgrades,” Governor Hochul said. “From planning to construction, we’re supporting communities every step of the way so families across the state can count on reliable water systems for years to come.”
The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is distributing $17 million via the Green Innovation Grant Program to support 12 projects focused on stormwater infrastructure and water efficiency. These projects use nature-based solutions to reduce flooding and runoff while improving water quality and encouraging economic development.
An additional $3 million in Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants will be distributed among 59 communities. These planning grants help local governments begin work on necessary improvements by funding engineering reports required before construction can start.
Projects receiving Green Innovation Grant Program funding include a $1.8 million grant for Green-Wood Cemetery in New York City for a stormwater resilience project aimed at reducing sewer overflows into local waterways. The City of Lockport will receive $1.4 million for streetscape improvements using green infrastructure to benefit the NYS Barge Canal. In Franklin County’s Village of Malone, a $3 million grant will support installation of new water meters as part of an upgrade to meet sanitary codes and current demand.
Other highlighted awards include nearly $1.3 million for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to complete funding for the Bridge Park South Expansion in the South Bronx, which will feature green infrastructure along a renaturalized shoreline.
Among recipients of Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants are the Town of Hague in Warren County, which receives $48,500 to study extending sewer service along Lake George’s shore; Village of Lake Placid with $50,000 for sewer condition evaluations affecting Chubb River; Village of Medina with $50,000 for wastewater treatment plant upgrades including resiliency and cybersecurity enhancements; Village of Morrisville with $50,000 to study consolidating treatment plants; City of Oneonta with $100,000 for investigating sewer inflow issues impacting Susquehanna River; Village of Ossining with $50,000 to address stormwater pollution entering Hudson River; Town of Tonawanda with $100,000 for evaluating sewers protecting Two Mile Creek and Ellicott Creek; and Town of Urbana with $42,000 to consider connecting septic systems to Hammondsport’s collection system near Keuka Lake.
A full list of awardees is available on EFC’s website at www.efc.ny.gov.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “These grants are an essential part of New York State’s commitment to investing in storm-ready clean water infrastructure while minimizing the financial impact on local ratepayers. This funding will help communities plan for vital infrastructure upgrades and fortify their systems for extreme weather, improving water quality and system resilience.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “From Westchester County to Western New York, and the Capital Region to the Finger Lakes, New York is improving infrastructure to ensure communities in the state can secure access to clean water and invest in long-term resiliency. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, the $17 million in Green Innovation Grant Program and $3 million in Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants will get to many places that need the funding the most.”
Senator Charles Schumer added that federal programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund are helping finance these upgrades: “Thanks to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, water and sewer upgrades are getting underway across New York to ensure all have access to safe, clean drinking water and modern sewer systems. These federal and state dollars will help give New York’s communities the support they need to improve water quality and modernize critical water systems, all while creating a steady stream of jobs, jobs, jobs. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to good use and will continue the fight to turn the tide on our state’s aging water infrastructure, create jobs for New Yorkers, and keep our communities safe and healthy.”
Representative Tim Kennedy emphasized how this investment supports public health: “Clean water is fundamental to public health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. This funding delivers crucial support to local governments working to modernize aging water infrastructure, safeguard our drinking water, and protect the Great Lakes. I am proud to see four projects receiving Green Innovation Grant Program support, including transformative work in Lockport and Tonawanda. Access to clean water is a human right. As we celebrate National Water Quality Month, I will continue my fight to deliver federal investments for clean water programs that will benefit Western New York.”
State Senator Pete Harckham commented on how these grants help municipalities address pressing needs: “This major investment from the state in the Green Innovation Grants Program and Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants will extend financial support to communities where it is truly needed. Maintaining safe, modern water infrastructure and addressing critical sewer needs while upgrading infrastructure are all integral to future growth and prosperity.”
NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa said park expansion efforts supported by these funds enhance climate resilience: “As New York faces an increase in extreme weather events, it’s vital that we make our communities more climate-resilient. The funding from this Green Innovation Grant will help expand park space that includes native plantings and green stormwater infrastructure… We’re extremely grateful…to Governor Hochul for her ongoing support of environmental resiliency in New York City.”
Bill Ulfelder from The Nature Conservancy noted: “The Nature Conservancy commends Governor Hochul…for providing critical funding…Essential…projects safeguard clean drinking water…and prevent pollution from reaching our bays…”
Barbara J. Van Epps from NYCOM stated: “NYCOM commends Governor Hochul…for continuing…investments that benefit our cities…These grants not only help municipalities deliver critical clean water projects…they also ease financial burden on local taxpayers…”
Christopher A. Koetzle from NY Association of Towns said: “The New York Association of Towns congratulates our members who have received awards…We thank Gov. Hochul…for providing this critical support…”
According to information released by state officials earlier this year [https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-fy-2025-budget], New York allocated an additional $500 million toward clean water infrastructure as part of its FY26 Enacted Budget under Governor Hochul’s administration—bringing total investment since 2017 up toward $6 billion.
Communities seeking assistance or wishing track progress can visit EFC’s interactive dashboard online.
