Governor Hochul Announces the Completion of $72 Million Wastewater Treatment Project in Buffalo

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $72 million project at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Facility. Funded by $42 million in grants and $30 million in low-cost financing, the project is a major milestone in the Buffalo Sewer Authority's long-term plan to modernize its wastewater infrastructure and reduce untreated sewage discharges to the Niagara River.

"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 Buffalo's future and an important step toward protecting the Niagara River. 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 Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Facility was originally constructed in the 1930s and upgraded in the 1970s. The completed improvements strengthen the facility's ability to manage high wastewater flows during intense rain events. By increasing the facility's capacity and improving the reliability of its treatment system, the project will help protect water quality, public health and the environment across Western New York.

The State provided $72 million in financial assistance for the project:

• The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) provided $32 million in grants through the Water Infrastructure Improvement program and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, including State-directed funding through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
• The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provided a $10 million Water Quality Improvement Project grant.
• EFC provided $30 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 $70 million in interest costs the City would have faced through traditional lending, underscoring the crucial role of Governor Hochul's grants and the State Revolving Funds in affordably advancing New York's clean water goals.

DEC has awarded Buffalo Sewer Authority a total of $40 million through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program since 2021 for seven projects related to implementation of their Long-Term Control Plan. This amount includes the $10 million awarded for the specific phase of upgrades being announced as complete today.

The completed project is part of the Buffalo Sewer Authority's long-term plan developed in coordination with DEC to address aging infrastructure, meet wastewater treatment regulations, and protect the Niagara River and its tributaries. Future projects will build on this progress through additional treatment upgrades and sewer system improvements. EFC has committed another $137 million to additional projects that are underway or expected to start in the near term.

New York State EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "Governor Hochul is making critical investments in Buffalo while helping protect ratepayers through EFC's grant and low-cost financing programs. Grants covered more than half the cost of the project we're celebrating today, while EFC's low-cost financing is saving the City millions in interest payments. With another $137 million in the pipeline for additional projects, this larger State investment in Buffalo is delivering real savings, improving quality of life, and safeguarding the waterbodies our communities depend on."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "Improving the Niagara River's water quality is essential to protecting the region's public health, wildlife, and habitat, and helps drive economic development. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York is continuing to fulfill its commitment to clean water by helping advance this project which implements the landmark long term control plan DEC delivered earlier in September 2025. The $10 million invested today from DEC's Water Quality Improvement Program builds on the nearly $40 million funding previously awarded to the Buffalo Sewer Authority to reduce pollution and improve water quality. DEC looks forward to our ongoing partnership benefiting Western New Yorkers and our shared environment."

Senator Charles Schumer said, "Upgrading the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Facility helps us modernize Buffalo's wastewater infrastructure. Access to modern sewer systems is fundamental to public health and promoting economic growth. I am proud to have delivered $32 million in federal funding in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund I fought to boost in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to get this project over the finish line. I will always fight to keep Western New York'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. Long-overdue modernization projects, like Buffalo's $72 million wastewater treatment upgrade, are essential to the health and safety of our communities and environment. I will keep fighting for the reliable infrastructure Western New York and our entire state need to thrive."

Representative Timothy Kennedy said, "Clean water is fundamental to the health, prosperity, and future of Buffalo and Western New York. The completion of these critical upgrades at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Facility is a major step forward in modernizing our infrastructure, protecting the Niagara River, and strengthening our community for generations to come. I'm proud to see this historic investment deliver real results for Western New York families, and I thank Governor Hochul and our state partners for their continued commitment to protecting our waterways and building a stronger Western New York."

State Senator Jeremy J. Zellner said, "Buffalo cannot afford to fall behind when it comes to the infrastructure our residents rely on every day. This project makes a long-needed investment in our wastewater system while protecting the Niagara River and saving ratepayers millions of dollars in the process. I thank Governor Hochul and our state partners for making this investment a priority and helping ensure Buffalo has the resources to tackle these major infrastructure needs."

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, "Clean water is our most important public resource, and investments like this ensure that Western New York's infrastructure is prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The completion of these critical upgrades at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Facility will help reduce untreated sewage discharges into the Niagara River, strengthen environmental protections, and improve public health for communities across our region. This is an investment that delivers lasting benefits for Buffalo residents, protects our waterways and supports a cleaner, more resilient future for our region."

City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said, "Completing Phase One of the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Facility is a major investment in Buffalo's future and an important step toward protecting our waterways. We've been working hard to reconnect people to Buffalo's waterfront, and a big part of that is making sure the water itself is clean and healthy. I want to thank Governor Hochul and New York State for their partnership, and for providing the funding that made this work possible. There is more work ahead, but this is real progress toward the Buffalo our residents deserve."

Buffalo Sewer Authority Principal Sanitary Engineer Rosaleen B. Nogle said, "The completion of Phase 1 at Bird Island is a significant milestone achieved under the auspices of the Queen City Clean Waters initiative and the long-term control plan. We are so fortunate to have great partners in Mayor Ryan, Governor Hochul, President Coleman, Commissioner Lefton, and all of our local, state, and federal representatives who realize the significance of this investment in our community to reduce combined sewer overflows into our area waterways and who have helped to ensure that there is funding available to make this work possible."

Nation-Leading Investments in Water Infrastructure

New York State continues to increase its historic investments in water infrastructure. The 2027 budget announced by Governor Hochul sets the national standard with a transformational $3.75 billion water infrastructure investment plan, which brings total clean water grant commitments to $10 billion since 2017. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC's investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.