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Governor Hochul Announces Completion of Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrade in Westport to Safeguard Lake Champlain and Support Regional Tourism

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The completion of a $3.1 million wastewater infrastructure improvement project in the Town of Westport, Essex County, marks a significant milestone in Governor Kathy Hochul's efforts to safeguard Lake Champlain and support regional tourism. The project has not only protected public health and the environment but also helped preserve the lake's role as a vital driver of the local tourism economy. State, federal, and local investments have minimized the financial impact of the project on local ratepayers, ensuring that every New Yorker has access to affordable clean water and reliable infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $3.1 million wastewater infrastructure improvement project in Westport, Essex County, aims to protect public health and the environment, as well as preserve Lake Champlain's role as a vital driver of the local tourism economy.
  • State, federal, and local investments have minimized the financial impact of the project on local ratepayers, with over $1.3 million in debt service savings and up to 75% in interest payments.
  • The project focused on rehabilitating Sewer District No. 1 to address critical infrastructure needs, including lining and replacing deteriorated gravity sewers and manholes.
  • The financial assistance provided to Westport through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund is projected to save local ratepayers over $1.3 million in debt service.
  • The funding breakdown includes:

+ $1.9 million Water Quality Improvement Project grant

+ $100,000 Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant

+ $309,000 Water Infrastructure Improvement grant

+ $928,000 interest-free hardship financing from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund

  • Governor Hochul's comprehensive affordability and clean water agenda includes record investments in water quality, with over $1 billion annually in funding for clean water purposes.
  • The State allocated 22% of its financial assistance through the State Revolving Funds to Adirondack communities this year, totaling $263 million.
  • DEC has funded 76 projects in the Adirondacks through WQIP alone, totaling more than $71 million to upgrade critical water and sewer infrastructure and protect water quality and the environment.

Statistics:

  • $3.1 million: The total cost of the wastewater infrastructure improvement project in Westport, Essex County.
  • $1.9 million: The amount of the Water Quality Improvement Project grant provided to Westport.
  • $100,000: The amount of the Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant provided to Westport.
  • $309,000: The amount of the Water Infrastructure Improvement grant provided to Westport.
  • $928,000: The amount of interest-free hardship financing from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund provided to Westport.
  • $1.3 million: The projected debt service savings for local ratepayers through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
  • 75%: The potential interest savings for communities through the State Revolving Fund loan program.
  • $1 billion: The annual funding for clean water purposes in New York State.
  • $263 million: The total funding allocated to Adirondack communities this year through the State Revolving Funds.
  • $71 million: The total amount of funding provided by DEC to upgrade critical water and sewer infrastructure in the Adirondacks through WQIP.
  • $6 billion: The total investment in water infrastructure in New York State since 2017.

Sources:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul's news release: "Governor Hochul Announces Completion of Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrade in the Town of Westport to Safeguard Lake Champlain and Support Regional Tourism" (July 23)
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
  • New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC)
  • Senator Charles Schumer's news release: "Schumer Announces Over $1 Million in Federal Funding to Modernize the Town of Westport's Wastewater System" (July 23)
  • Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's news release: "Gillibrand Announces Federal Funding to Modernize Water Infrastructure in Westport" (July 23)

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