The Village of Nyack has been awarded $7.2 million in State and federal grants and low-cost financing to upgrade its surface water treatment plant, part of a broader statewide initiative aimed at improving water and sewer infrastructure while minimizing costs to local ratepayers.
The funding was approved by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Board of Directors and will allow Nyack to install two sets of granular activated carbon (GAC) filter vessels at its water treatment facility. The upgrades are designed to enhance drinking water quality by improving filtration and addressing emerging contaminants, including PFAS “forever chemicals.”
Governor Kathy Hochul said the funding is intended to make essential water improvements more affordable for local governments across New York. “By lowering costs for local governments, we are helping ensure New Yorkers can rely on safe, clean water without facing added financial pressure,” the Governor said, adding that the upgrades will also strengthen long-term system resilience.
The Nyack project is funded through a combination of State and federal grants and low-cost financing administered via the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, New York’s primary mechanism for financing water infrastructure improvements.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman emphasized the importance of affordability for municipalities undertaking complex projects. “Communities need affordable solutions to take on complex infrastructure challenges,” Coleman said. “Combining the State Revolving Funds with State grants provides steady, long-term investment that helps communities achieve cleaner water and stronger systems while protecting the pockets of New Yorkers.”
Nyack Mayor Joseph Rand said the funding is critical for the village’s ability to comply with current water quality regulations. “There is nothing more important, and frankly, more expensive, than providing clean drinking water to our Village,” Rand said. “This funding allows Nyack to move forward with necessary upgrades that would otherwise place a heavy burden on local taxpayers, particularly when it comes to removing PFAS contaminants.”
State officials noted that the funding approval allows Nyack to move forward with project agreements and access the allocated dollars for implementation. The upgrades are expected to improve regulatory compliance, protect public health, and strengthen the village’s water system for decades to come.