$1 million for Cybersecurity Improvements
The federal appropriations bill signed into law on January 23, 2026, includes $1.092 million secured by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Joe Morelle to support critical cybersecurity improvements at the Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA).
The funding will allow MCWA to strengthen protections for its operational and information technology systems, including securing servers that support critical operations and data storage, installing new backup systems to ensure rapid data recovery, and conducting resiliency testing and comprehensive vulnerability assessments. The investment will also support physical infrastructure security upgrades and the deployment of advanced threat-detection software to better protect drinking water operations from evolving cyber risks.
This funding plays a vital role in “ensuring Rochester-Finger Lakes residents have access to clean drinking water,” said Senator Chuck Schumer, adding that “with this funding, we’re breathing new life into the region.” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand highlighted the importance of protecting water utilities, noting that the investment will help ensure “communities have access to modern, reliable water systems” that western New Yorkers rely on every day. Congressman Joe Morelle said the funding supports essential local infrastructure, stating, “This is exactly how the federal government is supposed to function, by providing direct support to companies, organizations, and local communities.”
As cyber threats to critical infrastructure continue to climb nationwide, the funding will help ensure that MCWA can continue delivering safe, reliable, affordable drinking water through resilient, well-protected systems.
The project is authorized under Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act and reflects a targeted investment in protecting essential public infrastructure. MCWA will work closely with federal partners in the coming months as the funding is formally obligated and implementation planning moves forward.
Currently serving approximately 800,000 people in Monroe and six surrounding counties, MCWA produces and delivers an average of 60 million gallons of water daily. For more information, visit www.mcwa.com.
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