State is Providing Nearly $20 Million in Grant Funding to Support Major Expansion at the Town’s 1950’s Era Wastewater Treatment Plant

Groundbreaking Photos Available Here

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman today announced the start of a major clean water infrastructure project in the Town of New Windsor. The $109 million expansion of the Town’s wastewater treatment plant is receiving significant State support with nearly $20 million in grants to minimize the financial burden on local ratepayers. The project will better protect local waterways, support future growth, and build a stronger, more resilient community while delivering good-paying jobs to the Hudson Valley. 

“State grants are empowering communities across the State, like New Windsor, to complete this essential clean water project while significantly reducing the cost to local ratepayers,” President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said. “This investment reflects Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to helping communities build the infrastructure they need to protect public health and the environment without passing unsustainable costs to families and businesses.”

State funding includes:

• $14.8 million Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant from EFC
• $4.5 million Community Development Block Grant from the Division of Homes and Community Renewal
• $181,000 in State-directed FEMA funds

The project will upgrade the Town’s Caesars Lane Wastewater Treatment Plant, increasing its capacity from 5 million gallons per day to 8 million gallons per day. The facility serves 24 sewer districts within New Windsor and a small portion of the Town of Cornwall. This project will ensure the plant can continue to operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with updated water quality standards. The project will strengthen resiliency in addressing damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

The modernization will replace the plant’s existing treatment system with an advanced membrane bioreactor process—technology that provides cleaner water and meets new environmental standards set for pollutants by the Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Additional improvements include:

• Construction of new treatment tanks, control building, and administration building
• Upgrades to electrical, heating, and ventilation systems
• Installation of new equipment for improved treatment
• Replacement of the plant’s existing outfall

The expanded plant will help protect Moodna Creek and the Hudson River, two vital regional waterways. Construction is now underway, with work expected to continue through June 2028.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Ensuring communities have access to clean drinking water and effective wastewater treatment is essential to HCR’s mission to provide safe, stable and affordable places to live across New York. Thank you to New Windsor, Orange County and state partners for working diligently to address vital infrastructure needs to protect Moodna Creek and the Hudson River, while reducing costs for residents and economically lifting up communities.”

Town Supervisor Stephen A. Bedetti said, “This project represents an important investment in the future of our community. By improving local infrastructure and enhancing public services, we’re ensuring that our residents continue to enjoy a safe, vibrant, and sustainable place to live. We’re deeply grateful for the grant support that made this possible, and for the partnership of all those who helped bring this initiative to life.”

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $3.4 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2025 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York has invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC’s investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.