SLATER, HARCKHAM ANNOUNCE STATE CYBERSECURITY GRANT FOR YORKTOWN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) and state Sen. Pete Harckham (D,WF-40) today announced that the Town of Yorktown has been awarded a $36,400 SECURE Cybersecurity Grant to strengthen cybersecurity protections for the Yorktown Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant. The funding is part of a statewide initiative to help local water and wastewater systems defend against growing cyber threats and protect critical public infrastructure.

The grant will support a cybersecurity assessment of the Yorktown Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant, helping identify vulnerabilities and strengthen protections against cyberattacks that could disrupt essential public services. The funding is administered through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation's Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancements (SECURE) Grant Program.

The funding comes as water and wastewater utilities across the country face heightened cybersecurity threats. In recent days, possible cyber intrusions targeting utilities have been reported in at least 12 states. While no widespread disruptions to water supplies or wastewater treatment have been reported, federal authorities have urged utilities to strengthen their safeguards, prepare manual backup procedures and reduce unnecessary internet connectivity.

“This investment helps ensure Yorktown’s critical water infrastructure remains secure against evolving cyber threats,” said Slater. “Our water and wastewater systems are essential to public health and safety, and providing communities with the resources to protect them is a smart investment. I was proud to support this funding in last year’s Capital Projects Budget, and I'm pleased to see Yorktown benefit from these state dollars.”

“Cyberattacks targeting our water infrastructure pose a serious threat to public health and safety, making it critical that our municipalities have the resources they need to strengthen their defenses. This grant for the Town of Yorktown is an important investment in protecting our community, and I am proud to have worked alongside Assemblyman Slater, my colleagues in the State Legislature, and Governor Hochul to secure this funding,” said Harckham.

“I really appreciate the efforts of Assemblyman Slater in fighting for this grant money.  With the attacks on our online systems increasing daily, this will help to enhance our security and keep Yorktown’s water safe and secure,” said Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman.

The statewide SECURE program awarded more than $9 million to 153 local water and wastewater projects to strengthen cybersecurity through system assessments, implementation of security improvements and technical assistance. The program also helps local governments comply with New York’s new minimum cybersecurity standards for drinking water and wastewater systems.