New York allocates $130 million to replace lead water pipes

New York State is allocating more than $130 million in grants to identify and replace lead service lines across various communities. The initiative is part of Governor Hochul’s Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) grant program, aimed at addressing public health risks associated with lead in drinking water.

Lead exposure is a significant concern, particularly for children, as lead can enter water supplies through corroding service lines, faucets, and fixtures. The risk is most prevalent in older cities and homes constructed before 1986.

Major recipients of the funding include the City of Poughkeepsie ($14 million), the City of Port Jervis ($13.4 million), New York City ($14 million for Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island), and the City of Rochester ($14 million). Other significant allocations include $11.8 million for Buffalo, $11.1 million for Troy, and $8.9 million for the City of Kingston.