Governor Hochul Highlights Over $108.8 Million for Local Water Infrastructure Projects Across New York State
Governor Hochul Highlights Over $108.8 Million for Local Water ... ny.gov
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Governor Hochul Announces $108.8 Million in Funding for Water Infrastructure Improvement Projects
The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors, under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, has approved over $108.8 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. This funding will support critical projects aimed at enhancing water quality and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water systems.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The approved funding aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. By investing in water infrastructure, New York State is actively working towards providing safe and reliable water systems for generations to come.
Financial Assistance for Water Infrastructure Projects
The funding includes a $66.5 million financing package for the ongoing construction of the Bay Park Conveyance Project in Nassau County. This project aims to strengthen resiliency, mitigate flooding, and improve water quality in the Reynolds Channel. Additionally, the Board has approved long-term interest-free financings to ensure the affordability of seven existing projects.
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman’s Statement
Maureen A. Coleman, the President & CEO of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, emphasized the importance of the State Revolving Funds in supporting water infrastructure investments. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund is expected to support over $2 billion in new construction of sewer projects this year, furthering New York State’s position as the largest administrator of State Revolving Funds in the nation.
Commitment to Water Quality
New York State has made a significant commitment to improving water quality. Since 2017, the state has invested $5 billion in clean water infrastructure. The 2023-24 Enacted Budget includes an additional $500 million in clean water funding. Governor Hochul has also launched Community Assistance Teams to provide technical assistance to small, rural, and disadvantaged communities in leveraging funding for their water infrastructure needs.
Advancing the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act
The voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is playing a crucial role in updating aging water infrastructure and protecting water quality. This historic funding will also strengthen communities’ resilience to severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution, restore habitats, and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. The Bond Act prioritizes the benefits for Disadvantaged Communities, aiming for at least 35 percent of the funding to benefit these communities.
List of Water Projects
Clean Water Projects:
- Nassau County — $33,298,765 short-term interest-free financing and $33,298,764 short-term market-rate financing for effluent flow diversions and water quality improvements.
- Town of Newfield, Tompkins County — $551,907 short-term interest-free financing, $377,609 short-term market-rate financing, and $183,969 grant for collection system improvements.
Drinking Water Projects:
- City of Auburn, Cayuga County — $3,720,000 grant for rehabilitation of filtration plants.
- Village of Cuba, Allegany County — $4,300,000 short-term market-rate financing and $3,000,000 grant for water system improvements.
- Greenlawn Water District, Suffolk County — $3,000,000 grant for treatment process upgrades.
- Town of Lewisboro, Westchester County — $775,800 short-term market-rate financing and $1,163,700 grant for treatment system installation.
- Village of Pawling, Dutchess County — $1,169,867 short-term interest-free financing, $2,339,733 short-term market-rate financing, and $1,280,400 grant for well development and distribution system improvements.
- South Huntington Water District, Suffolk County — $5,500,000 grant for treatment system upgrades.
- Town of Stafford, Genesee County — $1,065,000 grant for water main installation.
Refinancing Completed Projects
The Board has approved long-term refinancing for seven existing projects, resulting in estimated interest savings of $37.8 million over the life of the financings. This refinancing will provide municipalities with significant cost savings.
Conclusion
The financial assistance provided by Governor Hochul and the Environmental Facilities Corporation will play a vital role in improving water infrastructure across New York State. These investments align with the Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate New York’s commitment to ensuring clean water and sustainable water systems for all.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Investment in water infrastructure improvement projects
- Financial assistance provided for water systems upgrade
- Construction of treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water
- Financial commitment to strengthen resiliency and mitigate flooding at clean water facilities
- Improvement in water quality
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Investment in water infrastructure improvement projects |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | Construction of treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being. | Financial commitment to strengthen resiliency and mitigate flooding at clean water facilities |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Improvement in water quality |
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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