New York Slated to Get a Total of Over $450M for Water Infrastructure Through Biden-Harris Investing in America Agenda
New York Slated to Get a Total of Over $450M for Water Infrastructure Through Biden-Harris Investing in America Agenda
NEW YORK– Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.6 billion in new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. New York is slated to get more than $450 million for drinking water and wastewater improvements – including the more than $116 million that was announced as part of EPA’s announcement of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements earlier this month. This BIL funding will help communities across the state upgrade water infrastructure that is essential to safely managing wastewater, protecting local freshwater resources, and delivering safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses.
These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs that address key challenges in financing water infrastructure. Today’s announcement includes allotments for New York’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds totaling $274.6 million, Emerging Contaminant funds totaling $23.7 million, and $35.6 million in funds under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Fund.
To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that a majority of the funding announced today must be provided to disadvantaged communities in the form of grants or loans that do not have to be repaid. EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
“Water keeps us healthy, sustains vibrant communities and dynamic ecosystems, and supports economic opportunity. When our water infrastructure fails, it threatens people’s health, peace of mind, and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic investment in water, EPA is working with states and local partners to upgrade infrastructure and address local challenges—from lead in drinking water, to PFAS, to water main breaks, to sewer overflows and climate resilience. Together, we are creating good-paying jobs while ensuring that all people can rely on clean and safe water.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing safe drinking water, resources needed to upgrade aging infrastructure, and address harmful contaminants,” says EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides the critical funds to our governmental partners in New York to ensure water quality and reduce pollution in our waterways.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding is creating jobs and helping New York communities modernize crucial water infrastructure. We are removing lead, protecting drinking water from harmful emerging contaminants, and upgrading crucial wastewater systems. I applaud this significant funding of more than $450 million that will bolster the record investments we are making in clean water, particularly in disadvantaged communities, to improve our health, environment and economy.”
“Everyone in New York deserves access to clean water and modern water systems. I fought for historic federal funding for drinking water and wastewater improvements in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, and I’m proud that a whopping $450 million is flowing to New York today,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “These federal dollars will give communities across New York the support they need to replace dangerous lead pipes, remove toxic contaminants like PFAS from water, and modernize critical water systems while creating a steady stream of jobs, jobs, jobs. I am proud to deliver this major funding 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.”
"Clean water is essential to ensure the health of our communities and protect New York's critical freshwater ecosystems. By funding upgrades to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, this substantial federal investment will help communities across our state ensure that their water is free of dangerous contaminants," said Senator Gillibrand. "I voted to pass the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I'm proud to see funding from this legislation making a difference in New York. I'll continue working tirelessly to ensure that federal dollars keep flowing into our state to protect public health and the natural environment."
"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I am proud to have played a key role in negotiating and passing, is the most significant long-term investment in our nation's infrastructure. Today's funding announcement represents a historic and crucial investment for New Yorkers in safe drinking water and wastewater improvements. This significant allocation will serve as a catalyst for safeguarding and enhancing our water infrastructure for future generations while easing the financial strain on local taxpayers," said U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-03).
“Clean drinking water is not a privilege, but a human right that all Americans deserve,” said U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks (NY 05). “I commend the Biden-Harris administration for this investment in helping New Yorkers access cleaner water and upgrade our water infrastructure. In addition to prioritizing the safety of our communities, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will stimulate the economy while creating thousands of jobs for the people of New York. This law will benefit Queens families for years to come. I will continue supporting climate-friendly legislation that put people over politics to ensure communities live in a healthy environment.”
“Investments in clean water support healthier and more resilient communities,” said U.S. Representative Grace Meng (NY-06). “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. EPA are making long-overdue updates to the water systems that serve homes, schools, and businesses across New York. As our state’s representative on the Regional Leadership Council – which works to promote and oversee implementation of legislation signed by President Biden – I am proud to see federal funding from this historic bill continue to make critical infrastructure upgrades that address the impacts of climate change and improve access to clean drinking water in towns and cities throughout New York.”
“Every New Yorker, no matter their zip code, should have access to safe and clean water,” said U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velázquez NY-07). “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I was proud to support, we can continue the crucial work of updating our state’s water systems. With the help from the EPA, we will not only create more jobs, but give New Yorkers the peace of mind that their water is clean and safe.”
“Clean drinking water is the foundation of a healthy life – we must take every step to get contaminants out of our nation's water supply,” said U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10). “When the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional Democrats passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a commitment was made to protect Americans from unhealthy drinking water by investing in upgrades to our nation's water infrastructure so that our schools, homes, and businesses have access to lead and PFAS-free drinking water. I am thrilled that New York will be receiving these resources from the EPA to clean our water, and I know that, together, we’ll make sure that our communities' health and safety always come first.”
“Everyone deserves to turn on the tap and have clean, safe drinking water for their families. This $450 million in federal funding coming to New York will help secure that reality for people in Brooklyn and across our great state,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “Thanks to the work of House Democrats, partnering with the Biden-Harris administration, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making life better for everyday Americans all across the country. House Democrats will continue to fight to ensure the EPA has the tools they need to keep our water safe.”
"I was proud to help pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill, which President Biden signed into law in 2021 solidifying America's infrastructure resilience and competitiveness," said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "Today's announcement of more than $450 million from the EPA to ensure safe, clean drinking water and wastewater improvements for New York, proves once again just how impactful the BIL is to communities here at home and around the nation.”
“Every Hudson Valley family deserves to be certain that the water coming out of the faucet is safe to drink,” said U.S. Representative Pat Ryan (NY-18). “I’m proud that this funding, fueled by investments from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help deliver safe drinking water, make huge strides in getting every toxic lead pipe out of our water systems, create quality union jobs, and build climate resilient infrastructure that protects our communities for generations to come. I’ll keep fighting to bring home these investments and more to ensure all Hudson Valley families have access to clean water.”
“I often say that every life and every job depends on water; that basic fact is why I’ve worked for years in Congress to scale up federal investments in clean water initiatives,” said U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (NY-20). “I was deeply proud to advance the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address America’s crumpling water systems, and I’m thrilled to see these critical dollars continue flowing to our communities. I’m grateful to EPA and Administrator Regan for their strong partnership in securing needed water infrastructure investments. I pledge to keep working to ensure all New Yorkers have access to safe, clean water.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I helped pass was an historic piece of legislation, helping ensuring communities like Rochester have the resources they need to update their roads, bridges, pipes, and more,” said U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (NY-25). “This announcement of more than $450 million in wastewater and drinking water improvements across New York State will have an impact on families for decades to come. I’m grateful to the EPA for their efforts to safeguard every American’s right to clean water and look forward to our continued work together.”
“Western New Yorkers depend on clean water for good health, a strong economy, and thriving natural environments,” said U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy (NY-26). “For too long, we have underinvested in our water infrastructure and our water quality has suffered. Now, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, states like New York have the funding to address our toughest drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater challenges. As a result, we’re creating good-paying union jobs and safeguarding public health for generations to come.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The funding announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency bolsters the commitment of Governor Hochul to ensure all communities in New York receive water that is clean and safe to consume. We look forward to continuing our work with our federal, state and local partners to fund projects that will help remove emerging contaminants and lead from drinking water and safeguard the health of our communities.”
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “As the administrator of the State Revolving Funds, EFC celebrates with EPA today the third wave of federal funding awarded to New York State for clean water infrastructure from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Funding from the first two waves is already making a difference by modernizing and upgrading critical water systems. Just last month, the City of Newburgh completed the first clean water project undertaken with BIL funds in New York State. EFC is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring these funds are awarded to the communities and projects that need it most. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, targeted outreach continues to help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities access this funding.”
To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.
For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from both the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.
The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which payments of principal and interest on loans become available to address future needs.
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