New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's 2018 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) annual competitive funding program awarded more than $103 million in grants to 124 projects that will improve water quality, reduce the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs), and protect drinking water across the state. The grants are administered by DEC.

Locally, the City of Kingston's wastewater treatment improvement project will reduce the amount of untreated sewage released into the Rondout Creek from its combined sewer overflow system during storm events.

"Access to clean water is critical to the health, safety, and economic well-being of our communities," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "With Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York is investing millions of dollars to protect and restore invaluable water resources statewide and addressing growing threats like harmful algal blooms."

Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) President and CEO Sabrina M. Ty said, "Under Governor Cuomo, New York State has become a national model for water infrastructure investment. EFC is proud to assist these communities and with grants like those announced today, municipalities across the State are better meeting the water quality needs of their residents."

In addition, DEC and EFC awarded $3 million for 79 Engineering Planning Grants that will be used by municipalities to prepare engineering reports that advance water quality improvement projects to construction.

New York's Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program funds projects that directly address documented water quality impairments. The EPG program funds engineering studies that will ultimately lead to wastewater treatment improvement projects that can be funded through the WQIP or other funding opportunities. These competitive, statewide grant programs are open to local governments and, in some instances, not-for-profit corporations. Eligible applicants apply for this funding through the Governor's annual Consolidated Funding Application.

A full list of projects funded through the grant program can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/4774.html.

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