Historic $150 Million Investment to Address Mount Vernon's Crumbling Sewer Systems

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard announced the approval of $6 million in State-funded contracts to address the city's decaying water and wastewater infrastructure. The contracts are the first approved under the State's historic $150 million investment to address the City's longstanding water and wastewater infrastructure issues and related public health challenges. This milestone enables the start of priority sewer repairs and long-term planning for future wastewater projects, and connects City officials to technical, managerial, and financial consultants to help guide this work.

Key Takeaways:

  • The State has approved $6 million in contracts to address Mount Vernon's crumbling sewer systems, marking the first step in a historic $150 million investment.
  • The funds will be used to plan, design, and construct priority wastewater projects, as well as provide sewer cleaning services and closed-circuit TV inspection of sewer lines.
  • The effort is a collaborative response from state and local governments, with Governor Hochul, Mayor Patterson-Howard, and Westchester County Executive George Latimer leading the charge.
  • The State's investment is aimed at addressing long-standing water and wastewater infrastructure issues, as well as related public health challenges.
  • Participating homes may be eligible for repair to wastewater damage, installation of sewage backflow prevention measures, mitigation of lead infiltration to water within homes, and other needed environmental remediation through the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery's Healthy Homes pilot program.
  • The initiative is targeted to the most frequently impacted and high-risk properties, with funding allocated to assist Mount Vernon residents impacted by the sewer and water infrastructure crisis.

Statistics:

  • $150 million: The total amount invested by the State to address Mount Vernon's crumbling sewer systems.
  • $6 million: The amount approved in State-funded contracts for the first step in the project.
  • $3 million: Additional federal funding allocated to help Mount Vernon residents impacted by the sewer and water infrastructure crisis.
  • June 2022: The date of the city's Illicit Discharge Action Plan, which identifies discharges to the storm sewer system that are not specifically stormwater.
  • FY22 Appropriations Process: Representative Jamaal Bowman secured $1.5 million for the Mount Vernon Sewage Cleanup Project.

Sources:

  • "Services Funded by Grants Through New York State's Historic $150 Million Investment to Address Mount Vernon's Crumbling Sewer Systems" (Governor's Office).
  • "Governor Hochul Announces First Approved Contracts Under Historic $150 Million Investment to Address Mount Vernon's Crumbling Water and Wastewater Infrastructure" (Governor's Office).
  • "Mount Vernon Announces $150 Million in State Investment to Improve City's Water and Wastewater Infrastructure" (Mount Vernon Mayor's Office).
  • "Healthy Homes Pilot Program" (Governor's Office of Storm Recovery).
  • "Illicit Discharge Action Plan" (City of Mount Vernon).
  • "FY22 Appropriations Process" (Representative Jamaal Bowman).
  • "Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law" (Senator Chuck Schumer).