Mayor Eric Adams announced an extension on Monday to what the city is calling a successful debt forgiveness program.
The Water Bill Amnesty Program started three months ago and was scheduled to expire on April 31. Mayor Adams announced that it has brought in more than $80 million from accounts that had been in debt, and will be extended through the end of May.
The program allows customers with a water debt to be forgiven of the interest owed depending on how much of their bill is paid. Adams says so far $12 million in interest has been forgiven, and that among the nearly 200,000 New Yorkers with a later water bill, around 40% have participated already, saving themselves some cash.
Adams credited Bronx Assemblyman Kenny Burgos and City Council member Amanda Farias with alerting this issue to his attention and helping work towards a solution.
The new deadline for the program is May 31. For more information, click here.