CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. — The Collar City, along with the town of Waterford, has been awarded state funds through the County Infrastructure Grant Program to help invest in infrastructure projects.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that more than $38 million has been awarded to 49 projects across New York State through the County Infrastructure Grant Program.
Rensselaer County – $1 million: City of Troy – Funding will support a new housing development by widening Morrison Avenue to relieve traffic congestion. A second westbound lane will be added, improving traffic flow and safety and increasing roadway capacity at the intersection with Route 4. Following these improvements, a 128-unit age-restricted housing complex will be constructed. The complex will include apartments, townhomes, and row houses.
Saratoga County – $1 million: Town of Waterford – This project will provide critical upgrades to the municipal water system along Middletown Road and the Route 4/32 corridor. Planned improvements include the replacement of approximately 3,000 linear feet of water main along Route 4/32, replacement of two miles of aging water main along Middletown Road, upgrades to the Halfmoon interconnection, and installation of an altitude valve at the Swatling Tank. These improvements are expected to address recurring water main failures, pressure limitations, and system inefficiencies that restrict use of the County water system, while also supporting the proposed Hudson River Road apartments, a 206-unit housing development.
First launched in November 2024 and administered by Empire State Development, the program provides grants to support small- and medium-sized county-led infrastructure projects. To date, more than $74 million has been awarded to nearly 100 projects throughout the state. Modern infrastructure directly impacts New York State’s economic vitality, and the County Infrastructure Grant Program helps the state remain competitive and generate new economic growth, while supporting Governor Hochul’s bold housing agenda.
“Investing in infrastructure means investing in New York’s future,” Hochul said in a news release. “With $38 million being awarded to 49 different projects across the state, we are giving local governments the tools they need to thrive and expand opportunities for New Yorkers. These investments will help communities build the infrastructure they need to create more housing, attract new businesses and make New York’s communities stronger and more affordable.”
The County Infrastructure Grant Program was established in the State’s FY2025 Enacted Budget to help transform New York State’s infrastructure and better meet the needs of its residents. An additional $50 million was included in both the FY 2026 and FY 2027 Enacted Budgets. Grants up to $500,000 are awarded to priority projects identified by the county that support economic development, contribute to placemaking or encourage tourism. Enhanced awards of up to $1 million are available for projects supporting the creation of housing with ten or more units. The funding being awarded today will support the construction of more than 3,200 new homes throughout the state.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Modern infrastructure is vital to unlocking new potential for economic growth. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to make investments in locally driven projects that help communities build for the future and capitalize on new opportunities.”