Press Releases

 

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced $1,092,000 in federal funding he secured to support the replacement of lead service lines in the City of Buffalo. 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 Congressman Tim Kennedy. “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.”

 

“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 Mayor Sean M. Ryan. “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. I’m grateful to Congressman Kennedy for his partnership and continued commitment to delivering resources that help strengthen our city’s future.”

 

“I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for securing this critical $1,092,000 federal investment and Mayor Sean Ryan for continuing to prioritize lead line replacement in Buffalo,” said Senator April N.M. Baskin. “With an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 lead service lines still in our system, this work is urgent. In my 63rd Senate District alone, roughly 30 percent of service lines contain lead. Lead poisoning disproportionately impacts Black and low-income neighborhoods, where aging infrastructure and historic disinvestment have compounded risk. This funding will accelerate replacements in disadvantaged communities and protect families who should never have to question whether their water is safe. Combating lead exposure remains a top priority, and I will continue fighting for the resources needed to eliminate this public health crisis.”

 

“Removing lead service lines is a critical investment in the health and future of Buffalo’s children,” said Council President Joel Feroleto. “No parent should have to worry that the water coming from their tap could harm their child, and no taxpayer should be left to shoulder the full cost of replacing infrastructure that has been in the ground for generations. This funding helps protect our kids, ease the burden on residents, and ensure we’re making responsible investments that strengthen our city for the long term.”

 

“Access to clean drinking water is a basic right. For too long, Buffalo families have lived with aging lead infrastructure in their neighborhoods. Replacing these service lines is essential to protecting public health and restoring confidence in our drinking water,” said Senator Jeremy Zellner. “I commend Congressman Tim Kennedy for securing this funding and Mayor Sean Ryan for his partnership in moving this work forward. I’m proud to stand with them to ensure these investments reach the neighborhoods that need them most.”

 

“This significant federal investment is about delivering something fundamental: safe, reliable drinking water for every family in Western New York,” said Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera. “In 2024, Erie County was found to have more than 12,000 lead service lines still in the ground. With a sizable portion of this funding directed to Erie County and the Erie County Water Authority prioritizing vulnerable households through its Lead Service Replacement Program, we are taking decisive action to remove toxic lead pipes, modernize critical water and wastewater infrastructure, and ensure that no child’s health is compromised by the water that comes from their tap.”

 

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. 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.

 

Congressman Kennedy will continue fighting to secure federal resources that modernize Western New York’s infrastructure, strengthen public health protections, and deliver meaningful relief to working families. By investing in clean drinking water infrastructure, the project not only protects children and families but also supports long-term economic stability and neighborhood revitalization.

 

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