The Village of New Berlin is exploring favorable funding options for its $18.4 million water infrastructure project. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

NEW BERLIN – Efforts to upgrade New Berlin village water lines are getting a jolt of federal support, thanks in part to appropriations recently announced by Congressman Marc Molinaro.

The village is in line for $1 million to replace water infrastructure, according to a press statement from Molinaro’s office. Funds set aside in the 2025 House appropriations bills would add to a growing pot of state and federal funds that the village has received to upgrade water distribution lines and enhance its well house, pump house, and storage facilities.

"Marc and his team quickly recognized that a safe, efficient municipal drinking water project is a catalyst in our evolution,” said New Berlin Mayor Pete Lennon. “They did their homework and they have been our advocates along the way.”

The latest earmarked round of funding comes at the heels of other options laying before the village board. In December, the village learned of a $5 million grant, coupled with a $7.4 million zero interest loan, both of which were made available through the 2021 bipartisan federal infrastructure law.

The village also has a $185,000 grant offer from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission designated specifically for the purchase of new water meters. While money’s there, Lennon said plans are to wait on new meters until a new water system is in place in hopes of preventing them from clogging with old debris.