Rome receives over $7.2 million in state grants for replacing lead service lines

ONEIDA COUNTY- The city of Rome, NY has been allocated over $7 million to help identify and replace lead service lines.

This funding comes from $130 million worth of state grants that have been distributed to various statewide cities and communities through Governor Hochul’s Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) Grants, which are designed to help communities pay for projects that protect drinking water and safeguard the public health of New Yorkers without overburdening ratepayers.

“Every family deserves clean, safe drinking water at a cost they can afford, and these grants will help us make that goal a reality,” the Governor said.

According to state figures, lead is harmful to human health and can enter drinking water when lead service lines, faucets and fixtures corrode.

Water that has high acidity or low mineral content can corrode lead plumbing. Lead service lines, pipes that connect homes to water mains, are typically the most significant source of lead in water.

Lead plumbing is likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986.

The LIFT initiative delivers on Governor Hochul’s affordability, clean water and public safety agendas.

Coupling State and federal funding takes the fiscal pressure off local governments, allowing them to protect their residents by replacing more lead service lines.

The State’s comprehensive approach continues to provide communities with the resources they need to improve their water infrastructure. 

Image via the office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.