New York Slated to Get a Total of Over $450M for Water Infrastructure Through Biden-Harris Investing in America Agenda – Agenparl

(AGENPARL) – Roma, 23 Ottobre 2024

(AGENPARL) – mer 23 ottobre 2024 Issued: Oct 23, 2024 (3:05pm EDT)
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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). 
“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.” 
“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.