(WNY News Now) – New York – New York State has announced a significant investment of over $166 million in grants to support 187 water quality projects statewide. Jamestown and Lakewood are set to benefit from the funding, with more than $101 million designated for projects benefiting environmental justice communities. The grants aim to address various water quality issues, including aging infrastructure, climate change mitigation, harmful algal blooms, and safeguarding drinking water.
New York State has allocated over $166 million in grants to enhance water quality, with $101 million specifically directed towards projects in environmental justice communities. The funding supports initiatives ranging from updating aging water infrastructure to combating harmful algal blooms and preventing potential contamination. The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) will remove the population threshold, allowing larger municipalities to compete for hardship financing.
Noteworthy allocations include $146 million for 81 projects through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) and an additional $2 million for 35 projects through the Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Mapping Grant (NPG). The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) and Engineering Planning Grants (EPG) will receive $18 million to support climate change mitigation and advance engineering reports for municipalities.
Key projects include the Village of Lakewood’s $244,876 grant for constructing a wetland to enhance flood resiliency and reduce nutrient runoff to Chautauqua Lake. The City of Jamestown also received $100,000 to study options for inflow and infiltration.
EFC’s decision to remove the population threshold expands opportunities for larger municipalities to access clean water project financing. Governor Hochul’s 2024-25 Executive Budget sustains the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $400 million, supporting critical environmental programs and promoting an aggressive environmental justice agenda.
For more details on awarded projects and funding sources, visit EFC’s official website.
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