The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has allotted $187,379,000 to the State of New York to help finance improvements to water projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment. The funds will primarily be used to upgrade wastewater systems and drinking water systems throughout the state.

“The EPA is committed to improving water quality throughout New York State,” says EPA regional administrator Judith A. Enck. "This federal funding will help New York communities upgrade their drinking water and sewage treatment systems, both of which are imperative for healthy communities.”

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, was allotted $147,479,000. The program provides low-interest loans to local governments for water-quality protection projects to make improvements to wastewater treatment systems, control pollution from rain water runoff, and protect sensitive water bodies and estuaries.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, administered by the New York State Department of Health, was allotted $39,900,000. The program provides low-interest loans to local governments to finance improvements to drinking water systems, with a particular focus on providing funds to small and low-income communities.

Since 1989, the EPA has awarded $5.8 billion to New York through these programs, which are funded annually.

For more information on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, visit http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/cwsrf/cwsrf_index.cfm.

For information on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/.