Hempstead Village Water Receives $23M More In Grant Funds, Hochul Announces

HEMPSTEAD, NY. — Funding continued to pour into Hempstead village’s water system Thursday, as Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $23 million round of grants and interest-free financing for construction of new sewer piping in the village’s wastewater collection system.

It’s the latest in a long line of funding for water in the village, which has in recent years received $37 million to remove chemicals from drinking water, $1 million for water treatment upgrades and $2.5 million for water main upgrades. All of those state and federal appropriations are part of a $225 million effort to clean up the village’s water supply.

According to the governor, the funding round fulfilled an important goal of allowing local municipalities to upgrade their water systems without hiking taxes to cover the bill.

“Communities are working hard to upgrade aging water infrastructure and protect public health, and I’m committed to providing them with the resources they need to succeed,” Hochul said. “With this $250 million investment, we’re making vital projects affordable and ensuring New Yorkers can trust the water they rely on every day.”

The State grant is funded by the Environmental Bond Act, a 2022 piece of legislation that made over $4 billion available for environmental and community projects, including $650 million in funding for water improvements.

According to Hempstead’s local officials, the latest amount of that money given out is an important commitment.

“This latest influx of $23 million for Hempstead Village’s sewer infrastructure demonstrates the State’s commitment to protecting our drinking water and safeguarding public health without burdening the taxpayers of New York’s largest village. I am thankful to Governor Hochul and Senator [Siela] Bynoe for their commitment to this vital work,” Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs said the funds would “ensure that the residents of [Hempstead] village continue to have access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water.”