$32M Project is First Clean Water Infrastructure Project Funded by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in New York State
North Interceptor Improvement Project Prepares City for Economic Development While Protecting the Hudson River Watershed
The City of Newburgh announced yesterday, in partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul and United States Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, the start of the next phase of the $32M North Interceptor Improvement Project – an innovative microtunneling process that will expedite completion of the project while reducing disruption for City residents. Microtunneling is a remote-operated trenchless construction method that allows for simultaneous excavation and pipe laying. A specially designed boring machine delivered to the City this week will excavate the tunnel through bedrock.
The North Interceptor Sewer Improvement Project is the largest and most significant infrastructure project to take place in the City in decades. The $32 million project commenced construction in April 2022 and will be completed in the Spring of 2024. At completion, the project will have installed 8,700 linear feet of new, larger-gravity sanitary piping to make upgrades to the City’s combined sewer infrastructure that are crucial to protecting the water quality of the Hudson River.
City Councilmember Ramona Monteverde said: “The City Council has approved more than $100 million in infrastructure upgrades throughout the City, funded with state and federal dollars at minimal cost to City taxpayers. The $32 million North Interceptor Sewer Improvement project demonstrates the City Council’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to jumpstart economic development while protecting our most valuable natural resource, the Hudson River.”
The City of Newburgh’s City Council has repeatedly, successfully advocated for infrastructure funding from New York State and federal partners to complete major projects at minimal cost to City residents. The $32 million North Interceptor Sewer Improvement Project – being completed at minimal cost to City taxpayers - is the most significant example.
Dan Shapley, Co-Director of Science and Patrol, Riverkeeper said, “Newburgh is exemplary in being proactive to get federal funding, and that is something we need all communities up and down the Hudson River to model and emulate.”
Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), $27 million was committed toward this phase of the project through grants and interest-free financing, including:
- $10 million grant from the Water Quality Improvement Program
- $5.57 million grant from the Water Infrastructure Improvement grant program
- $5.57 million grant from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
- $3.55 million grant and $2.56 million in short-term interest-free financing from BIL General Supplemental funds. Funding from the BIL for water and sewer infrastructure is administered by EFC through the State Revolving Fund programs.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s press release can be found here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-start-innovative-microtunneling-newburgh-sewer-project
Governor Kathy Hochul said, "These wastewater and stormwater upgrades are vital to protecting the environment and enhancing quality of life in Newburgh, and my administration will continue to work hard to get funding out the door efficiently and equitably to help communities get shovels in the ground for critical projects."
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, "I am proud to deliver this historic $27 million investment to upgrade the City of Newburgh's clean-water infrastructure through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, that I championed in the Senate. For years, I've worked with the City of Newburgh, Riverkeeper, the Newburgh Clean Water Project, and local advocates to improve Newburgh's water infrastructure, with the goal of making our beloved Newburgh neighborhoods healthier and safer places to live and work. Last year, I was proud to secure $12.8 million for Newburgh's North Interceptor Sewer Project through the annual federal budget so Newburgh could begin this important work. I thank the New York State Department of Environmental Conversation and Environmental Facilities Corporation for directing New York's first-ever, clean-water infrastructure construction funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to build on this critical work and will continue fighting alongside them to deliver this funding to our Hudson Valley communities."
Read the Major Milestone Announcement in Spanish (PDF)