New York Awards $453M to 83 Water Infrastructure Projects

New York State is making a historic commitment to modernize aging water infrastructure across the state. Governor Kathy Hochul announced $453 million in grants awarded to 83 water infrastructure projects through the state's Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant programs. This funding will leverage over $1.3 billion in total water infrastructure upgrades and save ratepayers an estimated $1.1 billion, while creating approximately 20,000 jobs in construction and related industries.

Governor Hochul Announces $453M in Water Infrastructure Funding

On December 21, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a transformative investment in New York's water systems through the Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant programs. According to Spectrum News (December 21, 2025), the announcement addresses a critical need: modernizing aging water and sewer systems across New York State while protecting drinking water from emerging contaminants.

$453 million in state grants awarded to 83 water infrastructure projects represents a major step forward in ensuring reliable, safe water for New York communities. This funding will support projects valued at over $1.3 billion in total water infrastructure upgrades, demonstrating the state's leverage in attracting additional investment to water system improvements.

Governor Hochul stated: \"New York families should not be burdened by rising water bills and outdated systems. With this funding, the State is helping communities take on essential projects without passing unsustainable costs to residents and businesses. These investments will protect public health, support local economies, and help ensure reliable, safe water for years to come.\"

Project Focus Areas and Outcomes

The $453 million in water infrastructure grants focuses on multiple critical areas:

• Protecting Drinking Water: Addressing emerging contaminants and improving water quality standards
• Modernizing Aging Systems: Replacing outdated water and sewer infrastructure across communities
• Strengthening Resilience: Building water systems that can withstand future challenges and climate impacts
• Regionalizing Services: Encouraging intermunicipal cooperation for more efficient water management
• Supporting Economic Development: Enabling communities to attract new businesses and residents with modern utilities

The grants span across 83 water infrastructure projects throughout New York State, from small municipalities to larger regional systems. Projects range from treatment facility upgrades to pipe replacement, water quality improvements, and system regionalization initiatives.

Financial Impact: Ratepayer Savings and Job Creation

The economic benefits of this infrastructure investment extend far beyond the initial grant amounts:

• Ratepayer Savings: Projects are expected to save local ratepayers approximately $1.1 billion through improved system efficiency, reduced water loss, and operational improvements
• Job Creation: An estimated 20,000 jobs will be created in construction, engineering, manufacturing, and related industries
• Total Project Value: The $453 million in grants will leverage $1.3 billion in total water infrastructure upgrades, demonstrating the state's commitment to cost-sharing partnerships

By reducing the burden on local water agencies and ratepayers, these investments help communities avoid dramatic rate increases while ensuring access to safe, reliable drinking water and modern wastewater treatment systems.

Why Water Infrastructure Investment Matters Now

New York's water systems face mounting challenges. Many communities rely on infrastructure built 50, 60, or even 100+ years ago. Aging pipes leak thousands of gallons daily, treatment facilities struggle with emerging contaminants like PFOA and PFOS, and climate change increases demands on stormwater and wastewater systems.

These water infrastructure grants directly address these challenges by:

• Reducing Water Loss: Replacing aging pipes decreases unaccounted-for water loss, improving system efficiency
• Improving Water Quality: Installing advanced treatment technologies to remove emerging contaminants and meet new water quality standards
• Supporting Resilience: Upgrading systems to handle increased extreme weather events and climate variability
• Enabling Growth: Providing reliable infrastructure that supports residential and commercial development
• Creating Regional Solutions: Encouraging communities to work together for cost-effective, efficient water management

Finding Your Community's Projects

A complete list of all 83 awardees is available on the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) website. Communities receiving funding include municipalities of all sizes across the state, from major cities to small towns.

Local government leaders, water authority officials, and residents can use this resource to:

• Identify projects in their community
• Learn about specific infrastructure improvements planned for their water system
• Understand the timeline for construction and system improvements
• Contact local officials for project-specific questions

What This Means for Construction and Engineering Firms

The $453 million award represents significant opportunity for construction companies, engineering firms, and contractors. With 20,000 jobs expected to be created across the state, there will be strong demand for:

• Construction contractors specializing in water infrastructure
• Civil engineers and project managers
• Equipment operators and skilled trades
• Materials suppliers and manufacturers
• Project consulting and design firms

Communities implementing these projects will need experienced construction partners to manage complex infrastructure work while minimizing disruption to residents and businesses.

Looking Ahead: Investment in New York's Future

Governor Hochul's $453 million water infrastructure investment is part of a broader commitment to modernizing New York's essential systems. This funding addresses immediate needs while positioning the state for long-term economic growth and resilience.

For water utilities, municipalities, construction firms, and residents, these grants represent a significant step toward:

• Safer, cleaner drinking water
• More efficient water systems
• Lower ratepayer costs
• Job creation and economic opportunity
• Improved community resilience

For more information about New York's water infrastructure initiatives and to find projects in your area, visit the New York State EFC awards page.

Interested in other New York infrastructure investments? See our coverage of Rochester Convention Center modernization and other regional development projects.