Castorland receives chunk of $43 million grant funding to construct 150,000-gallon storage tank and install emergency power backup at water treatment plant

LEWIS COUNTY- Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week $43 million to help communities statewide afford water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects.

The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and State and federal grants that empower local governments to advance crucial upgrades, such as replacing lead service lines, treating harmful emerging contaminants and modernizing aging systems, without passing high costs on to local ratepayers.

These investments, according to Hochul’s office, protect public health and the environment, reduce future risks and support good-paying jobs.

Locally, the village of Castorland, NY is aimed to receive $549,000 of this funding to erect a 150,000-gallon storage tank, while also improving system communications and installing an emergency backup power supply at the water treatment plant.

“This funding means communities don’t have to choose between clean water and affordable rates,” Governor Hochul said.

“Stronger infrastructure, safer water, lower costs — that’s our commitment to New Yorkers.”

“These water infrastructure projects will create jobs and support communities across New York, from the Finger Lakes to Long Island. Access to clean drinking water and safe modern sewer infrastructure is fundamental to public health and boosting economic growth," said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer.

"I am proud to have secured millions in federal funding through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds so New York communities can upgrade their water infrastructure systems. I will always fight to keep New York’s drinking water clean, sewer infrastructure strong, and our communities safe and healthy.”

Funding is provided through:

• The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds: A mix of State and federal dollars that delivers over $1 billion in low-cost financing and grants annually to New York communities.
• Governor Hochul’s Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation grants: Loan forgiveness grants to help communities pay for lead service line replacement by covering costs not fully paid for by federal grants. The Board approved this grant for a project in the City of Utica.
• The State’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Grants: Proven vehicles for affordability that have saved over $7.2 billion for ratepayers statewide since 2015.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.