New York's drinking water infrastructure may require nearly $40 billion of repairs and improvements over the next two decades, according to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
A report DiNapoli issued Monday says recent water system failures and problems in places such as Hoosick Falls, Syracuse and Newburgh highlight the importance of spending more on water projects. DiNapoli said the estimated price tag from the Environmental Protection Agency to just maintain existing water infrastructure is $22 billion through 2030 and the State Department of Health puts the price tag even higher saying the state will need to invest as much as $39 billion in this time frame. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed $162 billion budget allocates $2 billion for water quality improvements.
"Many drinking water systems in New York are over 100 years old and operating far beyond their useful life," said DiNapoli in a statement. "New York needs to significantly invest in this area, or we're going to suffer the consequences. Unfortunately, paying for these solutions presents a considerable challenge."
DiNapoli noted that operating and funding water systems in New York municipalities are generally paid for through fees and property taxes with some water authorities and private companies also servicing some areas. The comptroller's report said that 2015, 939 local governments reported collecting $1.1 billion in water fund revenue. New York's 27 local water authorities reported $4.6 billion in revenues, which included $4 billion from New York City's water system
