New York Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the City of Newburgh’s North Interceptor Sewer Improvement Project, crucial to protecting the water quality of the Hudson River and increasing storm resiliency. It’s the first clean water infrastructure construction project in New York State completed with funding in part from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The more than $31 million project was funded by State and federal investments, including $28 million in grants and $3 million in interest-free financing. Under the leadership of the governor, New York State continues to get the federal funding out the door equitably and efficiently to help communities undertake and complete critical wastewater and drinking water projects, minimizing the financial impact on local ratepayers.
“Combined with our state's unprecedented clean water investments, funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a crucial opportunity to make significant environmental improvements that will protect public health across the state for generations to come,” Hochul said. “These upgrades are vital to protecting the environment and enhancing quality of life in Newburgh, and my administration will continue to work hard to get funding out the door to help communities undertake and complete critical projects, and to do so as affordably as possible.”
In addition to $6 million in federal grants and interest-free financing from the BIL, the project received $15 million in state grants from the Water Quality Improvement Project and Water Infrastructure Improvement programs, a $5 million grant from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, a $3 million federal Community Grant, and a $2 million grant from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
The significant state and federal investments supported construction of 8,700 linear feet of new, larger sewer pipes and other crucial upgrades to strengthen the city's ability to withstand high water events and reduce pollution in the Hudson River. Innovative microtunneling techniques were used to install over 2,000 linear feet of underground sewer pipeline, reducing disruption for community residents and expediting construction. The new, larger pipes are increasing system capacity and reducing pollution discharged to the Hudson River by diverting more flows to the city's treatment plant during wet weather events.
The federal funding is administered through the State Revolving Funds by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) in coordination with the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health. EFC closed on $96 million in federal funding for eight projects as part of a record $2.2 billion investment in clean water infrastructure in State Fiscal Year 2024.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, EFC is committed to working with local communities to safeguard water quality throughout New York State, making record investments to protect public health and the environment while ensuring these projects are affordable," EFC President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said. "EFC’s ongoing partnership with the City of Newburgh to complete critical wastewater upgrades is helping to make marked improvements in the water quality of the Hudson River, saving an estimated $24 million for local ratepayers.
