Governor Hochul Highlights $234.5 Million for Local Water Infrastructure Projects Across New York State
Governor Hochul Highlights $234.5 Million for Local Water ... ny.gov
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Governor Hochul Announces $234.5 Million in Financial Assistance for Water Infrastructure Improvement Projects
The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Board of Directors, under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, has approved $234.5 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects throughout New York State. This funding will support critical projects aimed at modernizing treatment systems, protecting clean water systems from high water events, and promoting a healthier and more resilient future for the state.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
By investing in water infrastructure, New York State is not only ensuring access to clean water but also contributing to regional growth, prosperity, and the protection of natural resources.
Financial Assistance for Water Infrastructure Projects
The EFC Board’s approval authorizes municipalities to access over $226.8 million in low-cost short-term financing and previously announced grants. This financial assistance will enable communities across the state to initiate critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, including flood mitigation measures to safeguard clean water systems.
Some of the approved projects include:
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Clean Water Resiliency Project in Long Beach – The Board approved $148 million for this project, which aims to support Long Beach’s long-term recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The project includes flood mitigation measures, the conversion of the water pollution control plant into a pump station, and its connection with Nassau County’s South Shore Reclamation Facility. This undertaking will improve water quality in the Western Bays and Reynolds Channel, contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
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Infrastructure Upgrades in the Village of Bath – The Village of Bath will receive a grant and interest-free financing package totaling $38 million, including funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). These funds will be used to modernize the wastewater treatment plant, reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and enhance the plant’s capacity for future growth and development. This project aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The approval of these projects reflects Governor Hochul’s commitment to providing communities with the resources they need to safeguard critical infrastructure and strengthen their resilience against climate change. New York State’s investment in clean water infrastructure totals $5 billion since 2017, demonstrating its dedication to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Support from State Officials
State officials have expressed their support for these water infrastructure improvement projects:
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Maureen A. Coleman, President & CEO of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation – Coleman commended Governor Hochul’s commitment to providing communities with the necessary resources to protect critical infrastructure and withstand the effects of climate change.
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Basil Seggos, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chair – Seggos highlighted Governor Hochul’s investments in safeguarding water supplies, protecting communities from pollution, and enhancing resilience against severe weather.
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Robert J. Rodriguez, Secretary of State for New York State – Rodriguez emphasized the importance of clean water infrastructure in promoting sustainable economic development, relieving fiscal strain on local governments, and protecting communities from climate-related natural disasters.
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Dr. James McDonald, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health – Dr. McDonald acknowledged Governor Hochul’s leadership in ensuring communities have the necessary resources to protect drinking water and public health in the face of climate change.
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer – Schumer praised the investments secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, which will improve water quality, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers.
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Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – Gillibrand emphasized the importance of clean water infrastructure in ensuring safe and reliable access to drinking water for all New Yorkers.
Projects Approved for Funding
The EFC Board’s approvals include financings through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), as well as grants announced under the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs.
Some of the approved projects include:
Clean Water Projects:
- Village of Bath, Steuben County – This project involves wastewater treatment plant improvements, including nutrient removal and disinfection upgrades. It will receive short-term interest-free financing and a grant from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
- City of Long Beach, Nassau County – The City of Long Beach’s Wastewater Treatment Plant will be converted into a pump station and connected with Nassau County’s South Shore Reclamation Facility. This project will receive short-term, market-rate financing.
- Village of Lyndonville, Orleans County – The village’s wastewater treatment plant will undergo disinfection improvements, funded through short-term interest-free financing.
- Village of Rhinebeck, Dutchess County – Upgrades to the village’s wastewater treatment and collection system will be financed through short-term interest-free financing.
- Village of South Dayton, Cattaraugus County – Improvements to the village’s wastewater treatment plant and sanitary collection system will be funded through short-term interest-free and market-rate financing.
Drinking Water Projects:
- Albertson Water District, Nassau County – New equipment will be installed at Well 3A for the treatment of emerging contaminants, funded through a grant.
- Village of Little Valley, Cattaraugus County – The construction of a new well supply and wellhouse, as well as the replacement of water mains, will be financed through short-term interest-free financing and a grant.
- Plainview Water District
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
– Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
– Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
– Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
– Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
– Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
– Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
SDG 13: Climate Action
– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
– Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Targets Indicators SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations. Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. Analysis
1. The issues highlighted in the article are related to water infrastructure improvement projects, flood mitigation measures, and the modernization of treatment systems. These issues are connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
2. Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under the identified SDGs are:
– Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
– Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
– Target 11.5: Significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.
– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
– Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
– Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
– Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
These indicators can be used to track the achievement of the targets related to access to safe drinking water, water quality improvement, reduction of disaster-related impacts, and strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards.
By addressing these issues and achieving the targets, progress can be made towards ensuring universal access to safe drinking water, improving water quality, reducing the impact of disasters, and building resilience to climate change.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: governor.ny.gov
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