New York officials are sending $51 million to municipalities around New York to help them make upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure -- with an additional round of money that is coming later on in part from a $4.2 billion environmental bond approved by voters last year. 

The Environmental Facilities Corp. on Thursday gave final approval for the money, which includes funds for low-cost financing and grants for projects that can help local governments improve the water treatment processes, address emerging contaminants and modernize aging systems. 

The money will also go toward lead service connection replacements. 

"New York is committed to providing communities with the resources needed to upgrade water systems and improve water quality," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "We are continuing our nation-leading clean water investments with $500 million for clean water infrastructure in this year's budget helping to protect the health and safety of our residents, preserve our environment, and improve quality of life for all with access to safe, reliable and clean water."

New York's aging water and sewer infrastructure has long bedeviled local officials, who say the need runs into the tens of billions of dollars to make the necessary upgrades. At the same time, concerns over a changing climate have placed additional strain on the infrastructure. 

"New York remains committed to investments in projects to improve, repair, and replace critical water infrastructure across the state and to protecting communities from pollution that could be harmful to the public, the environment, and our economy," said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos.