Four local communities are among the winners of a total of about $4.5 million in New York State Water Grants.
Thirty projects in the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley will share an estimated $56.4 million in the second round of funding through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, Governor Andrew Cuomo said Friday.
Local projects funded include:
--Central Bridge Water District, an estimated $1 million Drinking Water project grant.
The estimated project cost is $5 million; the estimated State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan is $2 million.
--Village of Cobleskill, an estimated $2.9 million Drinking Water grant.
The total project cost is estimated at $4.8 million; the SRF loan is $1.9 million.
--Village of Sharon Springs, an estimated $409,000 Clean Water grant.
The estimated project cost is $1.6 million; the estimated SRF loan is $1.2 million.
--Town of Worcester, an estimated $147,000 Drinking Water grant for an estimated $245,000 project.
The grants are intended to help communities deal with aging water infrastructure by addressing weak or failing equipment.
In addition to the grants, the state's Environmental Facilities Corporation provides interest-free and low-interest SRF loans to communities to further reduce the costs of the projects.
Most of the projects funded include the planning, design, and construction of enhancement of treatment plants, pump stations, sewer systems and equipment, as well as upgrades and replacements for drinking water systems, filtration plants, and water mains.
Grant awards were based on a scoring system that gave priority to projects that result in the greatest water quality improvement or reduction in risk to public health and are poised to advance to construction, among other considerations.
"Investing in our water infrastructure is critical for the growth and vitality of local communities across New York State," Governor Cuomo said.
"This funding will help...make necessary upgrades that will improve water quality, protect natural resources, and ease burdens on local property taxpayers."