SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $3.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR WESTERN NEW YORK TO REPLACE LEAD PIPES & UPGRADE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

Pending Legislation Includes Critical Fed Funding For Western NY To Replace Lead Pipes, Increase Access To Clean Drinking Water, And Make Wastewater Infrastructure Safer

Schumer Stood At Active Lead Pipe Site In Erie County Calling For More Federal Funding To Ensure Drinking Water Is Safe For Western NYers

Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$ Is Secured For Western NY For Improved Water Systems!

Today, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that they secured $3,600,000 in federal funding for critical local water infrastructure projects across Western New York in the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Interior spending bill that is expected to pass in the House of Representatives later today and sent to the Senate. The senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending requests. Schumer in 2024 stood at an active lead pipe site in Erie County to push for this federal funding so Erie County can accelerate their efforts to remove thousands of service lines and ensure the region's families have the safe, reliable drinking water they deserve.

"No amount of lead is safe for children and families in Western NY, which is why I stood at an active lead pipe site in Erie County two years ago to push for more federal investment. Today, I am proud to announce that I have secured $3.6 million in federal funding so communities across Western New York can upgrade their drinking water and wastewater systems, so families and local businesses have access to the water they need and deserve," said Senator Schumer. "From extending public water service in the Town of Ellicott to replacing lead service lines across Erie County, these projects will support communities throughout Western New York. I will always fight to keep New York's drinking water clean and our communities safe and healthy."

"I am thrilled to bring home $3.6 million in federal funding to upgrade water infrastructure in Western New York," said Senator Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "These projects will increase access to safe drinking water, improve wastewater infrastructure, and remove lead pipes that pose a threat to the health and safety of our communities. I am proud to deliver these funds, and I will continue working to ensure that New Yorkers' water is safe and clean."

A full list of funded projects is below:

$1,600,000 for Erie County Water Authority to Replace Lead Service Lines

The supported project will involve the replacement of lead service lines and galvanized service lines requiring replacement throughout the Erie County Water Authority's direct service area. Grant funding will help offset the high cost of replacement and allow the ECWA to prioritize homes with vulnerable populations. This project is part of Erie County Water Authority's systemwide Lead Service Line Replacement Program and supports compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and Improvements.

$1,000,000 for the Town of Ellicott for Fluvanna Water Service Area Extension

The project will include construction of water main to extend public water service to the Fluvanna area of the Town of Ellicott providing the area with a safe and abundant water supply from the City of Jamestown BPU. Currently many Fluvanna residents rely on private groundwater wells, a significant number of which do not meet current health standards. This project will eliminate health risks by installing new water mains, hydrants, and meters to deliver clean, regulated public water to the community.

$1,000,000 for the Town of Elma for Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plant

The project will consolidate two aged wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), ensuring safety for residents and school occupants while safeguarding water quality in Buffalo Creek and nearby areas. In partnership with Iroquois Central School District, the Town of Elma will utilize these funds to replace aging facilities that serve 147 parcels and discharge into Buffalo Creek, to ensure safer, more reliable wastewater treatment. Design work is underway, and this funding will help advance construction of this critical infrastructure upgrade.

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