With federal cuts looming, NYS lawmakers propose boosts to clean water funding
March 14, 2025
Jeremy Cherson
Associate Director of Government Affairs
jeremyc@riverkeeper.org
Key budget wins the Governor must accept in countdown to budget deadline
On the heels of Riverkeeper’s strong showing in Albany for Hudson River Advocacy Day, the New York State Senate and Assembly have released their budget proposals — and there’s a lot to be excited about — despite the concerning news of layoffs and budget cuts to our environmental programs coming from Washington, D.C. Thanks to the collective efforts of Riverkeeper, Hudson River champions in the state legislature and our community, we’re one step closer to securing critical funding for the Hudson River and clean water in the state’s final budget.
Key wins for the Hudson and clean water
Hudson River Estuary Program & Mohawk River Basin Program
Both houses included our requested funding:
- $9.5 million for the Hudson River Estuary Program
- $2 million increase over current funding
- $1.5 million for the Hudson and a $500,000 increase for the Mohawk
This funding is essential for protecting and restoring the Hudson River and its tributaries, supporting habitat restoration, research, and community programs like the Great American Eel Count, Village of Nyack climate adaptation plan, and a Riverkeeper-led analysis of nutrient pollution in the City of Peekskill’s drinking water source that safeguard our water resources.
Environmental Protection Fund
- Increase by $100 million to $500 million in both the Senate and Assembly
This increase ensures expanded investments in conservation, water quality improvements, and environmental education across New York.
Clean Water Infrastructure Act
- Senate: $700 million (including $100 million for Lead Service Line replacement and $100 million for Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program) — $200 million over current funding, $100 million over our ask
- Assembly: $600 million (including $100 million for Lead Service Line replacement) — Equal to our ask
Clean water infrastructure, such as Newburgh’s innovative microtunnel project, which is now diverting up to 56 million gallons of sewage overflows away from the river and to proper treatment, or the new tunnel at the Kensico Reservoir to support the safe drinking water for 9 million residents in NYC and Westchester County, is a foundation for public health and economic growth, ensuring communities have safe drinking water and modernized wastewater treatment systems.
Waterfront revitalization programs
- Assembly: $15 million increase
- Senate: $14.27 million — matching our request
These funds will enhance waterfront access, promote climate resilience, and help local governments strengthen their riverfront economies, supporting projects including the City of Kingston updating its 1992 waterfront plan for the 21st century, Tarrytown initiating a community-led waterfront plan focused on storm resiliency and public waterfront access, and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation developing Bridge Park in the Bronx with a living shoreline to promote public access and wildlife habitat.
Water Quality Improvement Program
- Assembly: $28 million
- Senate: $25 million — both significantly higher than our $22.5 million target request
This funding directly supports projects that prevent pollution, restore ecosystems, and improve water quality throughout the state. Examples include improvements to reduce sewage overflows and improve water quality at the Hunts Point sewer outfall in the Bronx, and funding for the Town of Redhook in Dutchess County to purchase equipment to reduce the application of road salt to protect water quality for our river and local drinking water.
Interstate Environmental Commission
- Senate: Restored funding to $96,600
- Assembly: Maintains funding at $42,000
The Commission plays a vital role in coordinating water quality monitoring and regulatory efforts across state lines.
Ocean & Great Lakes Line
- Assembly: $28 million (up from $22.5 million)
- Senate: $25 million — matching our request
This funding supports critical fisheries science on the Hudson, ensuring sustainable fish populations and protecting the river’s ecological health.
Climate Resilient New York Act
Included in the Senate budget, this legislation would create a coordinated approach to climate resilience across state agencies and establish a cabinet-level position in the Governor’s Office to oversee climate adaptation efforts. As climate impacts intensify, New York needs a strategic plan to safeguard communities from rising sea levels, extreme weather, and flooding.
Advocacy in Action
These wins are a direct result of your advocacy, your voices, and your dedication to protecting the Hudson River and clean water across New York. From speaking with lawmakers to showing up at the Capitol, our collective efforts are paying off. But we’re not done yet.
As budget negotiations continue toward the March 31 deadline, we must maintain our momentum and urge the Governor to accept the clean water budget increases. The final budget is where everything comes together, and we need to ensure these critical investments make the cut. Currently, teams from each legislative house and the governor’s office are engaged in three-way negotiations on their respective budget proposals.
Much of this phase happens behind closed doors, with little information leaking out. That’s why keeping up the pressure, even at this late stage, is so important. The Hudson River, our communities, and future generations depend on it.
Your continued support helps make efforts like this possible, amplifying your voice and standing up for programs critical to human and environmental health.
Concerned about federal funding cuts to clean water and the Hudson? Take action to save the EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) here.
Related campaigns
Water quality monitoring
Riverkeeper is the go-to source for information about the quality of the water along the Hudson River and its tributaries
Sewer and stormwater pollution
Working to keep sewage and street pollution out of our waterways
New York City drinking water
The water supply for 9.5 million New Yorkers depends on keeping our watersheds clean and protected
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