New York Assembly Bill A09325

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/10/25
• Refer: 12/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes a wastewater infrastructure and drinking water program for the purpose of making payments toward the replacement and rehabilitation of existing local municipally-owned and funded drinking water, storm water and sanitary sewer systems.

Impact

The bill provides a structured mechanism through which municipalities can receive financial assistance for planning activities, including the preparation of engineering reports to assess water quality issues and explore improvements. While municipalities will be eligible for aid to prepare for this development, funding will not cover design and construction costs. Prioritization will be given to areas impacted by regulatory requirements or existing system failures, thereby creating incentives for localities to engage in meaningful infrastructure improvements.

Summary

Bill A09325 aims to establish a wastewater infrastructure and drinking water program in New York, targeting the replacement and rehabilitation of local municipally-owned drinking water, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems. This initiative is expected to enhance the quality and reliability of water infrastructure across the state. The program's implementation is contingent upon appropriations and will come into effect on April 1, 2026, pending the promulgation of necessary regulations by the state's environmental commissioner.

Contention

While proponents of A09325 view it as a critical step to bolster public health and environmental standards through enhanced water systems, concerns have been raised about the bill's funding structure and prioritization processes. Critics argue that without adequate budget allocations, the effectiveness of the program could be severely limited. Additionally, the delineation of who qualifies for assistance might lead to disparities, particularly affecting smaller municipalities that may struggle to meet the regulatory prerequisites for aid.