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EPA Gives NY State $45 Million To Improve Drinking Water Systems

Release Date: 09/29/1998
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(#98132) New York, N.Y. -- New York State will receive $45 million dollars from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this year to use in a loan program designed to finance drinking water system infrastructure improvements. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 established a low-interest loan program, called the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, to help local water suppliers make improvements to their systems. The program places special emphasis on small and disadvantaged communities and on projects that encourage pollution prevention.

This is the second grant EPA has given to New York State under this program.

"For years, EPA has successfully granted money to be used by states that help local communities make improvements to their sewage treatment systems. Now, we're capitalizing on that success to improve drinking water systems," said Jeanne M. Fox, EPA Region 2 Administrator. "The state revolving fund will make a real difference. Improvements funded by this and other loan programs help ensure that all Americans, especially those in small or poor communities, have safe, clean drinking water."

New York State will match EPA's capitalization with 20% grant money to seed its revolving loan program. With the addition of this year's grant, New York will have financed 67 drinking water projects worth a total of $335 million. The revolving fund money is used not only for the construction of needed drinking water facilities, but also to implement programs that will help New York State better assess drinking water conditions, enhance operator certification programs and technical assistance provided to small communities. Funds are available to local water suppliers through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.

For more information contact:
Mary Mears, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3669 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: [email protected]