# New York Awards $130M Lead Pipe Replacement Grants

New York State has awarded over **$130 million** in grants through its Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) program to 24 municipalities and water authorities for lead service line identification and replacement projects. These grants, supported by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, prioritize historically underserved communities with lower median incomes or higher poverty rates to improve drinking water safety without imposing financial burdens on local ratepayers. Key recipients include Albany, Glens Falls, Troy, Watervliet, Rome, Little Falls, Frankfort, Johnson City, Oneonta, Ithaca, and the Mohawk Valley Water Authority. Audits have highlighted challenges with spending efficiency and cost overruns, signaling complex project management needs as the state advances toward the federal 2037 lead pipe removal deadline.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals and contractors specializing in water infrastructure and lead pipe replacement should prepare for increased demand and complex project requirements in New York State.
- The grants offer significant opportunities for firms capable of managing multi-municipality projects with a focus on historically underserved areas.
- Water authorities and municipalities will require contractors adept at navigating federal and state funding mechanisms under the IIJA and LIFT programs.
- Organizations should consider the implications of audit findings on cost control and project execution strategies to enhance competitiveness in upcoming solicitations.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- New York State
- New York City
- Albany Municipal Water Finance Authority
- Office of the New York State Comptroller
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

### Key Quotes
> Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Health share the same goal of safeguarding drinking water for every New Yorker. These grants will help municipalities affordably replace lead service lines, protect the communities from lead exposure and ensure more New Yorkers have access to safe drinking water 	6 the foundation to good health.
> — James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner

> Our communities shouldn't have to choose between protecting their drinking water and taking on crushing debt. Every family deserves clean, safe drinking water at a cost they can afford, and these grants will help us make that goal a reality.
> — Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

### Sources
- [New York Awards $130M for Lead Pipe Replacement](https://hoodline.com/2026/09/new-york-hands-out-130m-to-rip-out-lead-pipes-but-old-audits-raise-red-flags) - Hoodline
- [Millions from NY will go to replace lead pipes in Capital Region - WNYT.com NewsChannel 13](https://wnyt.com/top-stories/millions-from-ny-will-go-to-replace-lead-pipes-in-capital-region) - WNYT.com
- [New York Awards 130 Million For Lead Pipe Replacement](https://wnbf.com/new-york-communities-tackle-lead-water) - WNBF