The funding will use $59m in water quality investments, offering $43m in savings for taxpayers.
The grants are part of a $255m statewide investment, funded via the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA), as well as the new Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants Program. These are being provided under the $2.5bn Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017 announced this April.
This investment is expected to create 950 jobs across the region. Since 2015, the Finger Lakes region has received a total of $33m in funding in WIIA grant funds that support up to $85 million in total project costs.
Cuomo said: “This unprecedented investment continues New York's commitment to helping municipalities develop necessary infrastructure to protect our water resources.
“These investments are crucial to supporting the health and safety of our communities, and help lay the foundation for future growth and prosperity in every corner of this great state.”
The projects will strengthen drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in the Finger Lakes region in a number of ways. These include upgrades and replacements for drinking water systems, filtration plants and water mains; and the enhancement and construction of wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and sewer systems.
New York State Department of Environmental Facilities Conservation (EFC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said: "Governor Cuomo's historic investments in water infrastructure are providing municipalities across the state with the resources they need to upgrade their systems and safeguard community water supplies.
“The Governor's transformative plans will put more New Yorkers to work strengthening our infrastructure's ability to meet emerging water challenges."
Apart from the grants, EFC also provides interest-free and low-interest loans to further enhance taxpayer savings for the development of these projects. These grants could be supplemented with over $31m in low-cost loans.
