Sag Harbor, NY – Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni thanked Governor Hochul for signing legislation he co-sponsored, A.8807/S.8241-A, into law this week, sending a much-needed financial boost to homeowners to take action to help restore Long Island and New York State ground and surface waters.

Hochul announced a $30 million investment to the State’s Septic System Replacement Fund, which now increases the State reimbursement amount from $10,000 to $25,000 for eligible homeowners.

Assemblyman Schiavoni thanked the Governor for her commitment to prioritizing water quality. “Cesspools and traditional septic systems were designed to treat waste, not nitrogen. Nitrogen in our ground and surface waters are fueling harmful algal blooms, brown tides, fish kills and negatively impacting human health.”

“On the East End, where the installation of innovative advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems often are more complex and more costly, this additional influx of State funding serves as an additional incentive for more homeowners to replace their outdated, polluting systems. Our environment, public health, and economy will benefit tremendously,” stated Assemblyman Schiavoni.

When combined with existing Town and County Septic Improvement Program awards, new innovative advanced septic systems can be installed at little to no cost to homeowners.