Bedford and Lewisboro Tap New State Funds To Protect Water Systems

BEDFORD, NY — Money from Albany will help to guarantee that local drinking water is safe and available for generations yet to come, according to officials.

The Town of Bedford has received $841,050 and the Town of Lewisboro has received $1,163,700 in grants from the state to help pay for water infrastructure improvement projects.

NYS's Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) awarded nearly $640 million in grants this week to 199 critical water infrastructure improvement projects across the state.

"Modernizing our state's water infrastructure is critical to ensuring every New Yorker has access to clean drinking water," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "Protecting the public health of New Yorkers will always be a top priority for my administration and this funding is a testament to that commitment. We will continue working collaboratively with every level of government to empower localities with the funding they need to improve water quality statewide."

The Town of Bedford will be receiving a DWEIC grant award of $841,050 for its Farms WD & Old Post Road WD - New Water Supply Source project, which will have a total cost of $1,401,750.

The Town of Lewisboro will receive a DWEIC grant award of $1,163,700 for its Oakridge WD PFAS Removal project, which will have a total cost of $1,939,500. The Oakridge Water District public water system was recently found to have PFAS levels above the state's maximum contaminant level in public drinking water systems. This project also received $1.8 million in federal funding last month.

"New York State is making generational investments to help build more resilient communities that are better prepared to meet the challenges of climate change by supporting upgrades and improvements to water infrastructure in municipalities across the state," NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said this week. "With Governor Hochul's sustained commitment to safeguarding water quality, DEC is helping to advance projects essential to providing access to clean drinking water, protecting water supplies and promoting continued economic growth."

SEE ALSO: Maloney Brings Home The Bacon For Bedford and Lewisboro Projects

The EFC has awarded more than $69.3 million to Hudson Valley municipalities. The investment is projected to contribute 4,850 jobs to the economy and save towns an estimated $191.4 million.

A full list of awardees and project descriptions can be found here.