The Erie County Water Authority will receive $960,000 in federal funding to help replace lead service lines in Western New York, U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced Monday.
The funding, secured via a new federal grant, will help defray water customer costs of replacing the lead service lines, Kennedy said.
“Older communities like Western New York continue to deal with the toxic legacy of past practices, including the use of lead service lines,” said Kennedy. “The science is settled, we know that there is no safe amount of lead, and kids across our region deserve to enter adulthood with every advantage we can provide. That’s why I was proud to secure this funding to ensure that the ECWA can continue to move towards its important target of removing all lead pipes.”
Buffalo is estimated to have between 40,000 and 60,000 lead service lines remaining in its system.
Officials say this funding will help to ensure safe drinking water for all Erie County and Western New York residents.
“Every family deserves access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Erie County Legislature Chairman Timothy Meyers. “This nearly $1 million federal investment will help the Erie County Water Authority identify and replace dangerous lead service lines, protecting the health of residents while modernizing critical infrastructure, and we’re grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy for securing these resources.”