Lead-free future begins in Albany as first project under $100M grant program breaks ground

Albany, New York – Construction is now officially underway on a major infrastructure project in the City of Albany, as Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a $12.9 million effort to replace nearly 2,500 lead service lines across the city. The initiative marks the beginning of the state’s new Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grant Program—a $100 million statewide effort aimed at eliminating lead pipes from drinking water systems while relieving local governments and residents from financial strain.

The project will span all 15 wards of Albany, focusing on neighborhoods with water mains dating back before 1975. Entire street segments will undergo full lead service line replacement, and importantly, the work will come at no cost to the homeowners or renters affected.

“Removing lead from our water systems is not just a matter of public health, it’s a matter of equity, safety, and affordability for all communities,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll keep fighting to ensure local governments can fund essential upgrades to their water systems without taking on crippling debt and overburdening New York families who deserve safe, clean water at rates they can afford.”

The funding package for the Albany project combines a $9 million federal grant with a $3.9 million state grant, covering the total cost. The state’s portion is being offered as forgivable financing—meaning the city won’t owe it back. That approach, state officials say, is designed to ease the financial load on local governments and ratepayers alike.

The push to replace lead service lines comes as part of a broader, $340 million statewide investment strategy that blends federal and state resources to accelerate the removal of toxic plumbing infrastructure. The harmful effects of lead in drinking water are well-documented, with corrosion of older pipes posing serious health risks, especially in homes built before 1986.

Albany is among a dozen municipalities selected for the initial rollout of the new state program, a step that state leaders hope will serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald praised the program, calling it a vital tool for public health. “Thank you Governor Hochul, President Coleman, and Dr. McDonald for your support in transforming Albany’s water infrastructure. I also want to applaud the Albany Water Department and Commissioner Joseph Coffey for taking the initiative to work toward creating a lead-free water system for our City.”

Since 2017, New York has committed more than $6 billion to clean water infrastructure. That investment continues to grow, with an additional $500 million proposed in the FY25 Executive Budget. According to officials, these funds are not just about pipes—they’re about building trust in the systems that deliver water to New Yorkers’ homes each day.

For Albany, this latest project is both a practical fix and a significant milestone in the state’s larger mission to modernize public infrastructure and prioritize health equity—one lead pipe at a time.