[미국] 뉴욕주, 수질 보조금 2천300만달러 발표

케시 호컬(Kathy Hochul) 뉴욕 주지사는 기후변화의 영향을 완화하면서 뉴욕주 전역의 수질을 개선하기 위한 2천300만 달러의 보조금을 지원한다고 지난 12월 27일 발표했다.

뉴욕주 환경시설공사(New York State Environmental Facility Corporation)의 녹색혁신보조금프로그램(Green Innovation Grant Program, GIGP)과 엔지니어링 보조금 각 2천80만 달러와 250만 달러의 지원으로 뉴욕주는 △우수저류시설 통합 △에너지‧물 효율성 극대화 △ 56개의 물 기반시설 구축 등 다양한 사회기반시설 기반 마련에 나선다.

이번 보조금 지원은 지역경제개발협의회의 ‘이니셔티브 라운드 XI’를 위해 발표된 7억5천만 달러 규모의 프로젝트 일부로서, 17개의 녹색 혁신 보조금 프로그램 프로젝트 중 1천790만 달러 규모의 13개 프로젝트가 환경관련 활동에 편성됐다.

케시 호컬 주지사는 “뉴욕 전역의 커뮤니티를 위한 수질 개선을 위해 사회기반시설의 탄력성을 보장하기 위한 조치를 취해야 한다” 라며 “이 보조금은 지방 정부가 중요한 물 기반시설 프로젝트에 투자할 수 있는 재정적 장벽을 허물고 저소득층을 위한 자금 지원과 깨끗한 물에 대한 접근성을 확대해 경제 성장을 지원하고 공중 보건을 개선할 것”이라고 말했다.

녹색혁신보조금프로그램(GIGP)은 미국 환경청(EPA)이 주관해 기후변화를 억제하기 위한 친환경 경제활동 기준을 확립하고 관련 자금 유입을 활성화하기 위해 도입된 것으로 매년 미국 지장 정부 등에 지원하고 있다.

엔지니어링 계획 보조금(EPG)은 자격을 갖춘 커뮤니티가 중요한 계획을 수립하고 자금 조달을 통한 물 인프라 프로젝트를 완료하는 데 도움이 될 수 있도록 한 것으로 최대 10만 달러의 보조금이 지원된다. EPG는 지난 2012년 지원 이래 주 전역의 지방 자치 단체 350곳에 도움이 되고 있다.

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Governor Hochul Announces $23 Million in Water Quality Grants

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $23 million in grants to help improve water quality across New York State while mitigating the effects of climate change. Through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s Green Innovation Grant Program, $20.8 million is being awarded to 17 projects that incorporate green storm water infrastructure, as well as implement energy and water efficiency measures. An additional $2.5 million in Engineering Planning Grants will help jumpstart planning for 56 water infrastructure projects. The funding is part of the $750 million announced for Round XI of the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Of the 17 Green Innovation Grant Program projects, 13 projects worth $17.9 million will impact Environmental Justice Communities.

"To improve water quality for communities across New York, we must take action to ensure the resiliency of our infrastructure," Governor Hochul said. “These grants remove the financial barriers for local governments to invest in critical water infrastructure projects. New York will continue to prioritize funding for low-income communities and expand access to clean water, supporting our state’s economic growth and improving public health.”

EFC President & CEO Maureen Coleman said, “EFC is pleased that 86% of the green grants announced today will have a positive impact on environmental justice communities. EFC is committed to awarding water quality funding to the communities that need it most. The planning grants are being awarded at an opportune time as communities begin to prepare for the federal water infrastructure funding, much of which will flow through the State Revolving Fund programs administered by EFC. Planning grants help fund the development of an engineering report, which is required in the EFC financing application process. EPGs help municipalities advance fiscally sound and well-designed projects to construction.”

DEC Commissioner and EFC Chairman Basil Seggos said, “I applaud Governor Hochul and EFC for continuing to make significant investments in key water quality projects, particularly with a focus on helping disadvantaged communities. This will continue to ensure that environmental justice is represented in the green infrastructure and other improvements being supported by the State to build stronger communities and make a difference in the health and well-being of all New Yorkers."

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) supports projects across the state that utilize unique EPA-designated green stormwater infrastructure design and create cutting-edge green technologies. Competitive grants are awarded annually to projects that improve water quality and mitigate the effects of climate change through the implementation of green practices, including green stormwater infrastructure, energy efficiency and water efficiency.

Engineering Planning Grants (EPG) help eligible communities afford and start the critical planning process so they can be better prepared to seek financing to help them complete their water infrastructure projects. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to develop an engineering report that identifies problems and potential solutions. These grants have helped municipalities across the state to complete 350 engineering reports since the program’s inception in 2012.

[출처 = 뉴욕주 공식 웹사이트(https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-23-million-water-quality-grants) / 2021년 12월 27일자 보도자료]