With a sweeping new infrastructure initiative, **Cayuga and Tompkins counties** are poised to receive transformative funding aimed at overhauling aging water systems and ensuring long-term sustainability for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The **multi-million-dollar investment**—channeled through state and federal funding—comes as growing concerns over water quality, environmental protection, and climate resilience dominate public policy discussions across New York State.
Local leaders have long sounded the alarm on deteriorating pipelines, outdated treatment facilities, and resource inequities. Now, with renewed financial support, those long-awaited projects are finally moving toward reality. For towns, villages, and rural communities in Cayuga and Tompkins, this isn’t just about building better pipes—it’s about ensuring healthier living conditions, economic revitalization, and environmental safeguard for future generations.
What’s included in the new infrastructure funding
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Funding Announced | $237 million for New York State, with millions earmarked for Cayuga and Tompkins counties |
| Main Focus Areas | Drinking water safety, wastewater treatment upgrades, lead pipe replacement, and infrastructure modernization |
| Funded Program | Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grant Program (IMG) |
| Expected Project Start | Late 2024 to early 2025 |
| Eligible Entities | Municipalities, water authorities, sewer districts in Cayuga and Tompkins counties |
| Long-Term Goals | Improved drinking water quality, greater resilience to climate change, environmental protection |
Why Cayuga and Tompkins counties were prioritized
Advocacy from local officials and growing documentation of **infrastructure vulnerabilities** positioned Cayuga and Tompkins counties near the top of the funding priority list. From frequent boil-water advisories to untreated sewage overflows during storms, both counties illustrated a compelling need for comprehensive investment.
In recent years, smaller rural water systems have faced major challenges without the economies of scale found in urban utilities. The cost of upgrades often outpaces the available revenue from ratepayers, leaving critical systems underfunded and deteriorating. This round of funding acknowledges the **disproportionate impact** rural communities face and moves to bridge that gap.
“This allocation reflects our commitment to communities that have long been overlooked when it comes to infrastructure aid.”
— Placeholder, NY State Infrastructure Representative
Specific projects slated for funding in Cayuga and Tompkins
While precise dollar amounts per project are still being finalized, early reports confirm several high-impact projects in each county:
- **Village of Cayuga Heights**: Sewer system overhaul to reduce overflows and improve stormwater diversion
- **City of Auburn**: Lead service line mapping and replacement under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
- **Dryden and Groton**: Joint water system improvements through Intermunicipal Grant Programs (IMG)
- **Town of Tompkins**: Expansion of water access to underserved rural zones with unreliable private wells
These initiatives are not just upgrades—they’re lifelines for residents who have long contended with murky tap water, frequent repairs, and environmental penalties levied on local governments for non-compliance.
Winners and losers: Who benefits the most
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Rural water districts in Cayuga and Tompkins | Communities that were not shovel-ready this budget cycle |
| Residents relying on aging septic and well systems | Private water associations not eligible for public funds |
| Environmental advocates pushing for clean water legislation | Municipalities with incomplete applications |
How the grant program works
The funding is delivered through the **Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA)** and **IMG (Intermunicipal Grants)**, both designed to push shovel-ready projects over the finish line. WIIA provides direct grants for up to 60% of project costs, while IMG rewards regional collaboration by bundling shared services.
These grants are administered by the **New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC)** and require municipalities to submit engineering plans, environmental impact assessments, and financial documents. Applicants must also demonstrate how the project benefits their community both short- and long-term.
“This kind of collaboration between villages and towns is the future of resilient infrastructure in New York.”
— Placeholder, Local Government Consultant
What changed this year
The most notable shift in 2024’s funding cycle is the increase in **grant proportion** versus traditional low-interest loan structures. Lawmakers took steps in Albany to ensure smaller, under-resourced municipalities are not left out due to matching fund limitations.
In previous years, towns struggled to front even a fraction of the upgrade costs, causing many to delay or abandon projects. With this new wave of allocations, those barriers are significantly lowered—and the focus shifted toward **project viability** and **community impact** over municipal wealth.
“More equitable funding has opened the door for towns like ours, who simply didn’t have the upfront capital.”
— Placeholder, Dryden Public Works Director
Economic and environmental impacts projected
Beyond safer drinking water and reduced wastewater discharge, economists project that infrastructure investment will drive **job creation, stimulate property value increases**, and reduce long-term municipal costs. Environmental groups, meanwhile, hail the upgrades as essential to protecting the Finger Lakes and aquifer systems that supply millions across the state.
Replacing aging infrastructure also helps guard against risks amplified by climate change, such as flash flooding, algal blooms, and the long-term depletion of aquifers. With these updates, Tompkins and Cayuga counties are not just catching up—they’re safeguarding their future.
How to apply step-by-step
Municipalities interested in accessing the next round of funding are encouraged to begin preparing documents now for the next funding cycle:
- Consult with regional EFC liaison for pre-application guidance
- Assemble engineering assessments and environmental studies
- Create a long-term operations and maintenance plan
- Secure letters of support and inter-municipal cooperation (if applying for IMG)
- Submit through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal by the fall deadline
Municipal leaders are advised to evaluate existing capital improvement plans to determine which projects may now qualify for funding under the expanded criteria.
Long-term sustainability and next steps
The allocation is more than a financial boost—it marks a broader cultural commitment in New York to **modernize aging water systems**, especially in the regions that need them most. While this influx of money is a major step, both counties will need to maintain regular oversight, staff training, and long-range infrastructure assessments to ensure long-term success.
Public engagement will also be key. Residents are encouraged to participate in town hall meetings, report water issues early, and ask municipal leaders how the projects in their community are progressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is going to Cayuga and Tompkins combined?
While exact totals vary by project, several million dollars have been earmarked specifically for projects in Cayuga and Tompkins through WIIA and IMG grants in the current cycle.
Which town will see construction first?
Some of the earliest projects are expected to launch in Cayuga Heights and the City of Auburn by late 2024, pending final permit approvals.
Are private well owners eligible for upgrades?
No, the funding is for municipal and public systems. However, towns may decide to offer connection incentives for households with unreliable private wells.
How long will construction take?
Most projects span 12–24 months, depending on pipeline length, terrain, and weather delays. Contractors are encouraged to complete work with minimal service interruption.
Can school districts benefit from this program?
If a school is attached to or operated by a municipal water utility, it will benefit directly from system-wide upgrades. Schools with private systems are not automatically included.
What happens if a town didn’t submit on time?
They will need to wait until the next funding cycle and can begin preparing documentation now. Consulting with the EFC is strongly advised.
What percentage of a project can be covered by the grants?
Grants can cover up to 60% of costs, depending on scope, municipality size, and intermunicipal cooperation.
Is this a one-time funding boost?
No. New York legislators have signaled a long-term funding framework for recurrent support under the Clean Water Infrastructure Act.