Three Chautauqua County municipalities have received about $20 was made available to help advance critical water infrastructure projects. The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and state and federal grants to help local governments undertake critical upgrades — such as removing emerging contaminants from drinking water — without passing high costs on to ratepayers.

These investments protect public health and the environment, reduce future risks, and support good-paying jobs.

“Strong communities start with strong infrastructure,” state Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the announcement. “Clean water is a basic human right, which is why we’re prioritizing investments that ensure safe, affordable water for New Yorkers while protecting local taxpayers. These targeted grants and low-cost financing will empower communities to protect public health and our environment while building a more resilient future for generations to come.”

Those winning funding include:

— Village of Cassadaga — $9.5 million grant and financing package for the development of a new groundwater well or installation of treatment to address elevated methane and iron in existing Well 5, which has been removed from service due to water quality issues.

— Town of Ellicott — $10 million grant and interest-free financing package for the extension of public water service to the Fluvanna area, which includes approximately 34,000 linear feet of water mains, valves, hydrants, and service meters.

— Town of Westfield — $555,600 grant for the creation of the state Route 5 Water Benefit District 2, including installation of approximately 23,000 linear feet of water mains, a chlorine booster station, hydrants, valves, and meters

EFC’s Board approved federal grants and financing to local governments from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds – a mix of federal and state dollars dedicated to financing community water and sewer infrastructure projects. Funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to bolster the State Revolving Funds and accelerate progress on essential clean water and drinking water projects.