 |
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Heather Cameron | heather.cameron@efc.ny.gov | (518) 402-6924 September 24, 2025
|
START OF CRITICAL CLEAN WATER PROJECTS IN THE VILLAGE OF MENANDS |
|
$7 Million Sewer Project Will Strengthen the Village’s System from the Impacts of Wet Weather Events and Protect the Hudson River $5 Million Drinking Water Project Will Replace 1940s-Era Pipes
State Investments are Making the Projects Affordable for Local Ratepayers
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman today announced the start of construction on critical drinking water and sewer projects totaling $12 million in the Village of Menands. The Village is modernizing outdated pipes to protect drinking water and public health, safeguard the Hudson River, and build a stronger, more resilient community. A combination of State, federal, and local investments, including nearly $5 million in State grants, is making the projects more affordable for local ratepayers while delivering good-paying jobs to the Capital District.
“This project is a clear example of how we turn nation-leading clean water goals into concrete, local action,” President and CEO Coleman said. “Governor Hochul has made it clear that clean water and affordability can go hand in hand — and through targeted grants and low-cost financing, we’re empowering municipalities like Menands to build resilient systems without overburdening local ratepayers.” This project is supported by a grant from Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to clean water and investments from the State Revolving Funds — New York’s primary financial vehicle for advancing the State’s clean water goals.
The State Revolving Funds, supported by both State and federal sources, offer low-interest, long-term financing to help communities afford these critical projects. Based on current market conditions, the financing is projected to save local ratepayers an estimated $10.5 million in interest payments over the life of the project, compared to the Village financing the projects on its own. It is essential that the State Revolving Funds are fully funded at the federal level for states to continue to be able to meet the ongoing need for communities to repair, rehabilitate, and modernize aging infrastructure in the future. Wastewater Resiliency Project:
To reduce environmental impacts and prepare for more intense rainfall events, the Village is replacing approximately 10,000 linear feet of deteriorating clay sewer pipe in the South End neighborhood. The upgraded infrastructure will:
Project funding includes:
Drinking Water System Improvements:
The Village is addressing critical drinking water infrastructure needs in the same neighborhood, where 80- to 90-year-old water mains have exceeded their useful life leading to frequent breaks, service disruptions, and maintenance burdens. The Village is replacing approximately 12,500 linear feet of water main and upgrading the Watervliet water system interconnection to provide a reliable backup water source. The upgraded infrastructure will:
Project funding includes:
In addition to protecting water quality, these projects will support construction, manufacturing, engineering, and other related industry jobs. The projects are expected to be completed in Spring 2027.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul is committed to helping municipalities make critical upgrades to their drinking water systems that won’t financially burden their communities. Today’s groundbreaking in Menands will mean fewer water main breaks, thus safe and reliable drinking water for years to come. The Department’s Bureau of Water Supply Protection will continue to work with our state and local partners to protect drinking water and public health.” Senator Charles Schumer said, “Access to clean water and modern water systems is fundamental, and thanks to the funding I helped secure for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, we’re sending millions flowing to upgrade the Village of Menands’s water infrastructure. This investment will ensure families in Menands have access to safe drinking water and will protect the Hudson River from sewer overflow during storms. These dollars will also give Menands support to modernize critical water systems, all while creating a steady stream of jobs, jobs, jobs. I am proud to support this major funding and am grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership in the fight to turn the tide on our state’s aging water infrastructure, create jobs for New Yorkers, and keep our communities safe and healthy.” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Clean, accessible water is a basic necessity. I’m grateful this project will replace outdated infrastructure in Menands and provide residents with the resilient water system they deserve while keeping costs down for ratepayers. I’ll continue fighting to secure federal funding to strengthen water systems across the Capital Region and throughout New York.” Representative Paul Tonko said, “For too long, hidden yet critical water infrastructure here in our Capital Region has been left unaddressed — and our communities have paid the price through long-lasting impacts on their health and well-being. That’s why I’ve fought so hard to secure funding to upgrade these vital resources here in Menands and beyond — and it’s why I’m thrilled to celebrate today’s announcement. Thanks to this significant infusion of state, federal, and local funds, children and families in Menands will be able to enjoy clean, safe drinking water and upgraded, resilient sewer infrastructure that will help protect public health in this community for generations to come.” Assemblymember Phil Steck said, “By modernizing and upgrading Menands’ water system, we are creating a more reliable and less costly supply that will serve residents well into the future. This investment ensures that the Village has the infrastructure it needs to meet community needs for the next half century and beyond.” Village of Menands Mayor Brian Marsh said, “Today marks an exciting step forward for the Village of Menands as we break ground on the South End Water and Sewer Infrastructure Project. This investment is about more than pipes and pavement—it is about protecting the health of our community, ensuring reliable services for our residents, and building a stronger foundation for future needs. For years, this neighborhood has needed infrastructure upgrades. With today’s start, we are delivering on our promise to modernize our essential services, safeguard our environment, and provide long-term improvements for families and businesses alike.” Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Protecting our residents by making sure they have clean, safe drinking water is vital and Governor Hochul understands that. Her commitment also recognizes that cost should not be a factor when it comes to safety. I want to thank the Governor, and all the partners at the local, state and national levels for investing in this modernization of outdated pipes for water and sewer systems in the village of Menands.” 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.
### |
|
|
###
|
|