Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the Village of Sylvan Beach's $51 million construction project to modernize the East Oneida Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. The State provided nearly $28 million in grants and over $23 million in low-cost financing to minimize the financial impact of the project on local ratepayers. Comprehensive upgrades to the 1970s-era plant will help protect public health, recreation, tourism and the diverse ecology of Oneida Lake, one of the largest natural lakes located entirely within New York. The improvements will help ensure reliable services for 8,000 residents across five communities and the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the Verona Beach State Park every year.

"New York is delivering historic funding to modernize critical water systems and protect the health of our communities and our environment," Governor Hochul said. "The completion of this project is a significant investment in Sylvan Beach's future and critical to protecting Oneida Lake. My administration will continue working with our partners to make strategic investments in clean water infrastructure and ensure New Yorkers have the safe, healthy environment they deserve."

The State provided $51 million in financial assistance for the project:

• The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) provided $27 million in grants through the Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure program and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
• The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provided an $833,330 Water Quality Improvement Project grant.
• EFC provided over $23 million in low-cost financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to cover remaining project costs.
• EFC's grant and financing package is projected to save over $75 million in debt service costs the Village would have faced through traditional lending. These savings underscore the crucial role of Governor Hochul's grants and the State Revolving Funds in affordably advancing New York's clean water goals.

New York State EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "This is a vital investment in clean water and in the affordability of local water infrastructure. This project symbolizes Governor Hochul's unwavering commitment to delivering funding that ensures important projects move forward without placing an unsustainable financial burden on the communities they serve."

New York State DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "Improving the water quality in Fish Creek and Oneida Lake will deliver real results to residents, visitors, and the surrounding natural ecosystems. The $51 million investment, including funds from DEC's successful Water Quality Improvement Project Program, emphasizes Governor Hochul's commitment to clean water, protecting communities and ensuring our shared environment is safeguarded for many years to come."

Senator Chuck Schumer said, "Upgrading the East Oneida Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant makes Sylvan Beach cleaner and creates jobs. Building modern sewer systems is fundamental to public health, improving water quality, and promoting economic growth. I was proud to deliver $23 million in federal funding from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which I boosted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, to get this project over the finish line. I will always fight to keep the Mohawk Valley's drinking water clean, sewer infrastructure strong and our communities safe and healthy."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "Every New Yorker deserves access to clean water," said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "Long-overdue modernization projects, like the completion of Sylvan Beach's $51 million wastewater treatment upgrade, are essential to the health and safety of our communities in Upstate New York, especially around Fish Creek and Oneida Lake."

Sylvan Beach Mayor Richard Sullivan said, "This project reflects the Village's deep commitment to protecting our residents, our environment and our future. We set out to build a stronger, modern wastewater system. Thanks to strong partnerships, careful planning, and significant grants from EFC and DEC, we're delivering it on time and within budget."

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente said, "This project is a significant investment in the long-term health and vitality of Oneida Lake and the communities that depend on it. Modernizing this wastewater treatment facility strengthens an essential service for residents, protects our natural resources and supports the tourism economy that makes Oneida County such a special place to live and visit. We are grateful for the State's support for this project and its recognition of the importance of protecting Oneida Lake and the communities that surround it. These improvements will provide lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors throughout the region."

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

Under Governor Hochul, New York State continues to increase its historic investments in water infrastructure. The FY27 budget announced by Governor Hochul sets the national standard with a transformational $3.75 billion water infrastructure investment plan, building on $10.6 billion committed to clean water infrastructure projects since 2021. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC's investments using the interactive project impact dashboard. EFC is currently accepting applications for $45 million in available funding for Green Resiliency Grants. EFC's Community Assistance Teams are available for one-on-one consultations to help municipalities prepare strong applications.