EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration announces $420 million for New York water infrastructure upgrades as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda

Unprecedented funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transforming communities across the state

NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2024) - Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $420 million from President Biden's Investing in America agenda for New York drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. While the State Revolving Funds have been a foundational source of water infrastructure investments since 1988, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, under the Biden-Harris Administration is infusing an additional $50 billion—the largest such investment in American history. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach communities who have been historically disinvested in, and most in need of, water infrastructure improvements.  Most importantly, the state revolving funds provide states with the flexibility they need to respond to their most critical issues.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”

“We are investing in clean water and providing millions of dollars to improve our region’s water infrastructure while safeguarding people’s health, enhancing the environment, and boosting local economies,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This is a critical moment in time to upgrade water infrastructure in New York and for making these vital improvements, particularly in communities that need it most.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “New York is making historic investments to upgrade our clean water infrastructure, and thanks to New York's Congressional delegation and the Biden Administration's support and leadership in rolling out Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, we will continue to get shovels in the ground to advance infrastructure upgrades and support local economies. This critical investment will support our ongoing efforts to protect public health and ensure all New Yorkers have access to clean water." 

“Access to clean water and modern water systems are fundamental, and thanks to my Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law, we’re sending a whopping $420 million flowing to upgrade New York’s water infrastructure. This major federal investment will ensure families across New York are provided safe drinking water, free of contaminants, and that our beautiful waterways remain free from sewer overflow,” said Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. “These dollars will replace dangerous lead pipes and modernize critical water systems, all 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.” 

“New Yorkers deserve water systems they can depend on and safe drinking water they can trust,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “This funding is monumental for New York’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund and will help improve the quality of vital water infrastructure, protect public health and treasured water bodies across the state, and ensure underserved communities in need see critical water infrastructure investment. I am proud to have helped secure the funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that enables this much-needed investment and will continue fighting for the resources needed to enhance public health and provide New Yorkers with access to safe and reliable water.”

"Today's announcement of $420 million for upgraded water infrastructure throughout New York is great news for our communities and I'm excited that it will address the aging water infrastructure that threatens public health and safety. In Queens, widespread flooding has become a common occurrence following heavy rainfall and significant storms. Without modern upgrades to our water infrastructure, this problem will only persist. " said U.S. Representative Grace Meng (NY-07).  "As New York's representative on the House of Representatives Regional Leadership Council – which works to promote and implement legislation signed by President Biden –I am so glad that Queens and other parts of our state continue to benefit from the Bipartisan infrastructure Law that I helped pass in Congress.”

“Every New Yorker deserves access to clean water,” said U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07). “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I was proud to help pass in Congress, will help deliver on that promise with more than $420 million for New York’s Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. This money will also help create new good-paying jobs and repair our state’s aging water infrastructure, including wastewater and stormwater upgrades sorely needed in my district. I commend the Biden administration for these investments, and I look forward to continuing to work to improve water infrastructure in New York.” 

“Upgrading New York City and State’s sewer and water infrastructure is critical to protecting our communities to ensure we are replacing lead pipes in our schools and public housing, removing any contaminants from drinking water, and preventing flooding from heavy storm surges that have historically wrecked our shoreline and caused severe property damage,” U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) said. “I’m pleased to see that New York will receive more funding from the EPA and I continue to encourage the State to lift the arbitrary cap placed on these funding pots so New York City can receive its fair share of funding proportional to its population.” 

"Clean water is the life source of our communities and proper infrastructure to help provide this vital resource to all of our neighborhoods is critical,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “I am proud to see the federal funds that I helped secure through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act are being implemented in ways that will have an immediate and lasting effect on the water quality in historically underserved communities throughout New York, including in Harlem and the Bronx. I commend EPA Administrator Regan on his leadership and for making these historic investments to secure a clean water future for our state and the entire nation.” 

“Every Hudson Valley family deserves the freedom to drink clean water – that’s why I introduced landmark legislation to crack down on PFAS contamination and why I’m committed to removing every single lead pipe in the Hudson Valley,” said Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18). “This historic funding will go a long way toward making that possible. I’m fighting like hell to make sure those investments come to communities across the Hudson Valley.” 

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivered more than $50 billion in critical investments in our water infrastructure, and I’m thrilled to see more of that funding reaching our communities in New York State. With this critical infusion of more than $420 million in federal dollars from BIL, municipalities across New York will have the resources they need to upgrade aging infrastructure, remove lead pipes, manage flood impacts from climate change, and upgrade water treatment facilities to address PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals.’ I’m proud of our efforts to get this transformative legislation passed, and I’m eager to see these investments pay off through stronger communities and healthier families,” said U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (NY-20). 

“Everyone deserves the peace of mind of knowing their water is safe to drink and free of PFAS chemicals and other harmful pollutants,” said U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (NY-25). “I’m grateful to the Biden Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for their commitment to investing in projects to combat the effects of the climate crisis and improve our water systems and infrastructure. I look forward to continuing my work alongside them and my colleagues in Congress to protect clean water and safeguard our environment for decades to come.” 

Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades.  Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.

The funding EPA announced for New York is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in New York  

Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $1.35 Billion into water infrastructure projects across the state protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.

New York used its Drinking Water State Revolving Funding to improve water quality and allow the Hicksville Water District to provide an adequate supply of water to its customers. The district recently saw the installment of advanced treatment systems at Plant No. 6 wells which includes two UV reactors, a hydrogen peroxide storage tank, four 40,000-lb GAC vessels. The funding project has also helped the construction of two new treatment buildings to house systems; installation of a new generator; upgrades to the site electrical service, system controls, site piping, and more.

The City of Kingston, an environmental justice community, has a project that was the first in the state to receive DWSRF funding for Dam/Reservoir Rehabilitation under EPA’s Class Exception issued June 21, 2021. Such projects involving rehabilitation of dams and reservoirs were previously prohibited from using DWSRF funds for such work. The dam/ reservoir is the city’s primary water source.  The rehabilitation includes the flattening of the slope of the main dam, construction of a concrete parapet on the West Dike, construction of a new raw water intake structure and associated piping, and the construction of a new spill way. In addition, a temporary water connection to the Ashokan Reservoir was made via above-grade piping to supplement the City’s water supply during the dam rehabilitation work.  The improvements allow the city to draw water from different elevations, improving water quality and operation flexibility. The project also resolves deficiencies identified following Dam Safety Regulations enacted by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in 2009.

These investments are unprecedented and transformational. To view some stories about how Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has impacted communities across the country, access the Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap here.  To see some additional projects see this Quarterly Report.

Background

The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds 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 – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.

For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.

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For further information: Contact: Iris M. Crawford, Crawford.iris@epa.gov (347) 908-3374