New York State officials have announced $3,852,680 in federal grant awards for six water and wastewater infrastructure projects within the state’s Northern Border Region.
The water and wastewater projects’ approved funding was part of $5.8 million that the state had announced for 12 economic and community development projects. This year, 55 final applications were submitted and reviewed by New York for Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), with funding requests totaling over $35 million.
The awarded projects were evaluated through a competitive process for their potential economic impact, the regional need for the project, the level of coordination with existing plans and regional activities, and their consistency with the priorities of the NBRC program.
Town of Schroon - Essex County
The Town of Schroon was awarded $853,440 for wastewater infrastructure to support local businesses and residences on Main Street. The project will include the replacement of an existing clay pipe sewer.
Town of Schroon Supervisor Meg Wood said, "For over a century, residents of the Town of Schroon have worked to preserve the water quality of Schroon Lake and its watershed. We have done our best to keep our 50 year old wastewater system up to date and plan for future needs. The grant we received from NYS and the NBRC will be a major help in bringing a portion of our Main Street sewer infrastructure into compliance with today's standards. The grant will alleviate the projected increase to the cost burden already carried by our downtown residents and businesses. Our Town extends its thanks to Governor Hochul and the NBRC."
Town of Fayette - Seneca County
The Town of Fayette will receive $1,000,000 to install over 11 miles of sewer force main to approximately 330 parcels, which will connect the town's district to the Village of Waterloo Sanitary Sewer System. The new system will serve properties on Seneca Lake and reduce septic system discharge to the lake.
Village of Canton - St. Lawrence County
The Village of Canton was awarded $1,000,000 to design and construct a new secondary water source to increase capacity and accommodate economic growth.
Village of Canton Mayor Michael Dalton said, "This generous grant to the Village of Canton will help modernize water infrastructure by helping build a secondary water source to accommodate economic growth in the Village. We thank Governor Hochul and the Northern Border Regional Commission for making sure the Village of Canton has the necessary resources to update its infrastructure, which is vital to our residents and future growth in our village."
Village of Nelliston - Montgomery County
The Village will receive $50,000 in NBRC funds toward the rehabilitation of an existing sewer main within Village, which will enhance environmental health as well as promote future development and job growth.
Paul Smith's College - Franklin County
This project was awarded $675,452 to improve wastewater and drinking water services for Paul Smith's College by replacing sanitary sewer lines and drinking water distribution pipes.
Town of Glenville - Schenectady County
The Town of Glenville was awarded $273,788 to extend a water main, which will complete a hydraulic loop to meet increasing demand for improved water capacity and water pressure at the Glenville Business and Technology Park.
The Department of State works with the NBRC and regional planning organizations to solicit project applications. To be eligible for grant consideration, projects must fall within one of the following categories:
- Transportation infrastructure;
- Basic public infrastructure;
- Telecommunications infrastructure;
- Employment-related education, entrepreneurship, technology, and business development;
- Basic health care and other public services to assist economically distressed areas;
- Resource conservation, tourism, recreation, and preservation of open space for economic development; and
- Development of renewable and alternative energy sources.
Applications are eligible to be funded for up to $1,000,000 for infrastructure projects and $350,000 for other projects. NBRC grants awarded within distressed counties require a 20 percent local match, while the required match in transitional counties is 50 percent.
