23-05-2025
Otego to get $3.9 million for water projects
The village of Otego is among municipalities getting state funding for water projects.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday, May 22 that the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved more than $37 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across the state.
"The board's approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, from treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water, to replacing lead service lines and modernizing aging systems," a news release from Hochul's office said.
'This is how you lead: invest boldly, move fast and protect your people,' Hochul said. 'This $37 million investment jumpstarts critical projects to fix aging pipes, tackle emerging contaminants and upgrade infrastructure, all while keeping costs down for communities and creating good-paying local jobs.'
Otego will get $3.9 million in grants for the installation of a redundant production well, replacement of asbestos-lined pipe and exposed water main, relocation of a well house treatment building to a higher elevation, replacement of a booster pump station, and the installation of a tank mixer, according to the release.
EFC's board approved grants and financing to local governments from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds — a mix of federal and state dollars dedicated to financing community water infrastructure projects. State Revolving Fund interest rates are below market rate, and with long repayment periods, and communities may save significantly on debt service compared to traditional financing, the release stated.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, 'This latest round of funding means critical infrastructure projects will be affordable to municipalities looking to protect their communities without breaking the bank. Through our Bureau of Water Supply Protection, the Department of Health will continue to work with our state and local partners to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers by providing technical assistance and monitoring for emerging contaminants, lead and other chemicals.'
