Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26) was in Buffalo on Wednesday to announce $1.092 million in federal funds he was able to secure to support the replacement of lead service lines in the city's water system.
The funding, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s State and Tribal Assistance Grants program under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, will help accelerate Buffalo’s ongoing efforts to remove lead from its water system and protect public health.
"Every family in Buffalo deserves the basic guarantee that when they turn on the tap, their water is safe," said Kennedy during Wednesday's visit. "This transformative federal funding will help remove dangerous lead lines from our neighborhoods, protect our children’s health, and ensure working families in Western New York are not forced to shoulder the cost of replacing aging infrastructure on their own."
This targeted federal investment will directly support the City of Buffalo’s Replacing Our Lead Lines (ROLL) initiative, and focus on neighborhoods identified as disadvantaged communities. These areas have some of the highest rates of childhood blood levels and aging infrastructure that poses ongoing public health risks.
Buffalo is estimated to have between 40,000 and 60,000 lead service lines remaining in its system.
"After a brutal winter that has put real strain on our aging infrastructure, it is clearer than ever why we need to invest in modernizing our systems," said Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan on Wednesday. "This funding will help us protect public health, reduce risks from lead exposure, and ensure Buffalo families can rely on safe and dependable water service."
Ryan says the federal dollars will enable 110 Buffalo homes to have lead water pipes removed and copper ones installed.
Approximately 2,000 Buffalo homes - at scattered sites across the city - have had water lines replaced, says Deputy Mayor Ben Swanekamp.
To address the estimated 60,000 homes that still new, copper water lines would cost around $1.2 billion, Ryan says.
"Unfortunately, we are dealing with aging infrastructure," said Joel Feroleto, Delaware District councilman and Common Council president. "This funding is a huge start for us."
While the city maintains a strong corrosion control program and has remained in compliance with current and proposed regulations, full lead service line replacement remains the ultimate goal to eliminate risk entirely.