Governor Hochul Announces Transformative $479 Million Investment for 156 Local Water Infrastructure Projects in Every Region of New York

First Tranche of Clean Water Funding Awarded in New York

Introduction

The Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos announced the first tranche of Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act funding for water infrastructure in New York. This funding demonstrates the state’s commitment to investing in communities statewide and ensuring clean drinking water and restored natural resources.

State Officials’ Statements

• Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair Basil Seggos: Commissioner Seggos emphasized Governor Hochul’s commitment to protecting New York’s water quality and highlighted the importance of the state’s investments in water infrastructure for clean drinking water and environmental restoration.
• Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald: Commissioner McDonald praised Governor Hochul’s dedication to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers by providing resources to improve water infrastructure and ensure clean drinking water for future generations.
• Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez: Secretary Rodriguez highlighted the significance of clean and safe water infrastructure for public health and commended Governor Hochul for investing in upgrading infrastructure, improving water reliability, and delivering safe drinking water to underserved communities.
• State Senator Pete Harckham: Senator Harckham emphasized the importance of transforming aging water and sewage infrastructure into efficient systems to serve residents and businesses. He praised Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for their funding commitments to improve infrastructure and sustainability.
• Assemblymember Deborah Glick: Assemblymember Glick applauded Governor Hochul for prioritizing infrastructure projects to ensure clean drinking water and reduce pollution. She emphasized the significance of the funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act in improving the environment and communities of New York.
• Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone: County Executive Bellone highlighted the critical role of clean water and sewer infrastructure in the environment, regional economy, and quality of life on Long Island. He expressed gratitude to Governor Hochul for supporting practical and innovative solutions.
• Suffolk County Water Authority Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz: Chairman Lefkowitz thanked Governor Hochul for the funding, which will help remove emerging contaminants from drinking water. He emphasized the importance of providing affordable water while ensuring high-quality drinking water for customers.
• Suffolk County Executive-Elect Ed Romaine: County Executive-Elect Romaine recognized the importance of protecting water quality and thanked Governor Hochul for funding critical water infrastructure projects in Suffolk County.
• The Nature Conservancy’s New York Director of Policy and Strategy Jessica Ottney Mahar: Mahar commended Governor Hochul and state agencies for providing clean water funding throughout New York. She highlighted the importance of the funding in protecting clean drinking water, improving public health, and restoring water quality in various bodies of water.
• Long Island Association President and CEO Matt Cohen: Cohen emphasized the connection between environmental protection and economic development on Long Island. He praised the Environmental Bond Act for its investments in water infrastructure, job creation, downtown growth, and coastal resiliency.
• Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment Adrienne Esposito: Esposito expressed gratitude for the state funding, which will support sewer infrastructure upgrades, toxic chemical filtration, and septic replacement programs. She emphasized the importance of upgrading infrastructure to protect water resources, public health, and the environment.
• President of the New York League of Conservation Voters Julie Tighe: Tighe highlighted the significance of clean drinking water and reducing pollution in waterways. She commended Governor Hochul for her commitment to protecting the environment and improving public health through grants from the Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the Environmental Bond Act.

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