Environment DEC
From the September 2004 issue
More than $5 Million Earmarked to Safeguard Water Resources in Nine Communities
Governor Pataki announced $5,070,884 in state grants and interest-free financing for drinking water and water pollution control projects in nine New York State communities. The funding is provided through the New York Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving funds.
"We are proud of our efforts to partner with local communities to prevent pollution of our precious water resources and ensure that all residents have access to safe, clean drinking water," Governor Pataki said. "These new funds will enable these communities across the state to undertake important projects that will protect our environment and enhance the quality of life for local residents."
State Revolving Funds
The New York Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving funds (DWSRF/CWSRF) offer significant financial assistance for public water suppliers to finance needed water and sewer infrastructure improvements. Financial assistance includes grants (for drinking water only), short- and long-term interest-free loans, and low-interest loans.
The City of Mechanicville's water plant
(pictured above) will receive money to
safeguard its drinking water supply
Administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and the Department of Health (DOH), the DWSRF has provided more than $1 billion in financing for drinking water improvement projects throughout the state. The CWSRF, administered by EFC and the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has provided communities with more than $10 billion in financing for water pollution control projects.
DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, "This announcement illustrates our commitment to protecting New York State's critical water resources. Maintaining the health of our lakes, rivers and streams is one of DEC's most important responsibilities."
Community Projects
The nine communities, their funding amounts, and project descriptions are listed below.
Drinking Water
Perrysburg will use its
funding to construct a
modern water storage
tank like the one
pictured above
Town of Perrysburg, Cattaraugus County
$1,200,000 $900,000 grant and $300,000 interest-free, short-term loan for financing a new water source, treatment facility, water storage tank and distribution system to provide the Hamlet of Versailles with a public water supply to address problems with poor water quality and quantity.
Clean Water
City of Mechanicville, Saratoga County
$701,000 Interest-free, short-term loan for financing costs associated with the design and construction of Phase II of the city's sewer separation and control project to prevent overflows of untreated sewage to the Hudson River.
Village of Saugerties, Ulster County
$1,494,572 Interest-free, long-term loan for financing costs associated with the planning, design and construction of a series of improvements and upgrades to the village's wastewater treatment plant, which enabled the plant to comply with permit requirements.
Village of Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County
$277,000 To refinance the balance of an existing interest-free loan for construction of wastewater collection and sewage treatment facilities. The interest-free refinancing will extend the length of the loan from 20 to 30 years.
Town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County
$405,000 Interest-free, short-term loan for financing costs associated with planning, design and construction of a leachate collection and on-site treatment facility to prevent leachate from migrating into surface waters.
Village of Sherburne, Chenango County
$190,000 Interest-free, long term financing for costs associated with the design and construction of rehabilitating the sanitary sewer system. The project has helped maintain and improve treatment efficiency, thereby helping to protect the water quality of the Chenango River.
Town of Troupsburg, Steuben County
$297,500 Interest-free, long-term financing for costs associated with the planning, design and construction of a collection sewer and wastewater treatment plant in the Hamlet of Troupsburg. This project was completed in May 2004 and has resulted in major public health benefits and protection of Troups Creek. A unique co-funding package from the following funding agencies made the project possible: a $400,000 Governor's Office of Small Cities grant, a $1,305,200 Rural Development grant, and a $150,000 State Department of State grant.
Village of Herrings, Jefferson County
$110,895 Interest-free, long-term refinancing for costs associated with the construction of collection sewers and a wastewater treatment plant to provide a village-wide solution to sewage disposal and protect the Black River from sewage discharge. The refinancing is saving the village approximately $85,500 in interest costs.
Town of Unadilla, Otsego County
$394,917 Interest-free, long-term financing for costs associated with construction of the wastewater collection and conveyance system that serves Sewer District No. 1. This project has prevented the discharge of sewage directly into the Susquehanna River.
