Miles SmithNew York is making $325 million available for projects to enhance community drinking water and create safer and more efficient sewer systems.
The funding is available through the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants program, which seeks to help cities across the state repair, upgrade and modernize their drinking water and sewer systems.
The application period will open June 20, with submissions due by Sept. 12.
Projects that remove dangerous chemicals from drinking water are set to receive the largest portion from the program.
Recent studies show per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — a group of man-made chemicals widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water, grease, and stain-resistant properties — have been detected in public water systems in multiple counties in New York.
Projects to address contamination from PFAS will receive up to 70% of net eligible project costs.
Sewer projects in small, rural and disadvantaged communities will receive grants that will cover 50% of net eligible project costs.
Eligible projects also include:
- Wastewater treatment plant construction or upgrades.
- Sewer system extensions or rehabilitations.
- Disinfection and advanced treatment technologies to improve water quality.
- Installation or improvement of drinking water treatment systems.
- Replacement or rehabilitation of aging water mains and service lines.
- Replacement of lead service lines.
- Collaborative projects between municipalities to share services or infrastructure.
- Cost-effective regional approaches to water and sewer infrastructure challenges.
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