Governor Paterson Announces $3.3 Million in Economic Recovery Funding for Cayuga County

ALBANY, NY (08/19/2009)(readMedia)--

Governor David A. Paterson and U.S. Representative Michael Arcuri yesterday announced that the Town of Owasco and the Village of Weedsport in Cayuga County will receive $3.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for long-awaited clean water infrastructure improvements. Both projects, which total $6.6 million, will protect local waterways by preventing heavy rains from causing overflows of untreated sewage.

"I am pleased to announce funding for two critical wastewater projects that will improve water quality in Cayuga County," Governor Paterson said. "For the residents and businesses of Western New York, these projects will bring much-need opportunities as we work together to bring an end to the current recession. I would like to commend New York's Congressional Delegation for their tireless efforts to secure State water infrastructure funds as part of the economic recovery program."

U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24) said: "This funding will be critical to the Town of Owasco and Village of Weedsport in order to protect local water quality and their local infrastructure. I know that these two areas were in need of this support, and I am pleased to join Governor Paterson in ensuring that the Recovery Bill funding is being used for significant improvements in our local communities."

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Acting President Matthew said: "I would like to once again express our thanks to Governor Paterson and New York State's Congressional Delegation for their efforts to include this important funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. We are proud to play a role in putting New Yorkers back to work and furthering the Governor's goal to improve New York's deteriorating water and wastewater infrastructure."

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation will provide financing for the majority of each project.

In the Town of Owasco, the Environmental Facilities Corporation will finance the design and replacement of sanitary sewer collection systems and the construction of a high-flow pump station. The total project costs of $1.5 million will be funded with a combination of a low-cost loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and a principal forgiveness grant of $775,684 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Currently, heavy rain can overwhelm the sewer system and cause harmful overflows into Owasco Lake Outlet. Upon project completion, excess wet-weather flow from the Town's new collection system will be diverted to an equalization tank. The equalization tank will store excess flow until such time that it is safe to discharge the stored wastewater to the City of Auburn's wastewater treatment facility. Project construction commenced in July 2009, and is expected to be completed in October 2010.

Similarly, in the Village of Weedsport, heavy rains can cause discharges of untreated water into the Cold Spring Brook. The Village will receive monies to restore its sanitary sewer systems and upgrade the community's wastewater treatment plant. The Village's total project costs of $5.1 million will be funded with a combination of a zero-percent, Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and a principal forgiveness grant of $2.85 million. The Environmental Facilities Corporation has designated the Village as a "hardship community" and thus will benefit from zero percent financing for full term of its loan, which will likely run thirty years. Project construction began in August 2009 and is expected to end in November 2010.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act requires that states provide additional funding for communities that incorporate energy efficient equipment and "green" components at municipal wastewater treatment facilities. The Village will receive $587,000 in stimulus funding to install an energy efficient aerobic sludge digester, roof insulation, energy efficient, fine bubble diffusers, and other state-of-the art modifications. In addition, The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority will contribute $150,000 for these innovative, cost-saving upgrades from revenues derived from Regional Greenhouse Gas carbon credit sales. The Authority has worked closely with the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to identify Recovery Act eligible, "green" technologies at treatment facilities throughout the State.

New York State received an historic $432 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. To date, Governor Paterson has announced thirty-three projects that will benefit from this notable program totaling over $300 million. The Act requires states to direct twenty percent of their Recovery Act funding to water quality projects that use innovative approaches to energy and water efficiency, incorporate "green" infrastructure, and use innovative treatment technologies. For more information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, please visit www.recovery.ny.gov.

The following quotes were provided in support of the Cayuga County clean water projects:

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: "Improving and maintaining Cayuga County's infrastructure is critical to the growth and economic development of the area and a great way to create jobs. I am thrilled that I was able to help secure this funding for Cayuga County through the Economic Recovery Package so that we can finally break ground on these important projects."

U.S Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: "During these tough economic times, it is critical that we invest in Cayuga County's wastewater treatment projects. These federal dollars will not only help create jobs in Owasco and Weedsport, but will also help protect natural resources and ensure safe drinking water for Cayuga County families. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York receives its fair share of federal dollars."

New York State Senator David J. Valesky, Vice President Pro-Tempore of the State Senate, said: "This funding enables critical improvements in wastewater infrastructure that will positively affect the local economy through job creation, and the environment through the use of green technology and protection of water quality."

New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb said: "This funding will help the Town of Owasco improve local water quality and, in the process, create and retain over 100 local jobs. I want to thank Governor David Paterson and the Environmental Facilities Corporation for making this assistance a priority so these projects could move forward. This type of state-local partnership is a model for how government at all levels can work together to find real solutions and improve the quality of life for New Yorkers."

New York State Assemblyman Robert C. Oaks said: "This critical financing is great news for the Village of Weedsport, as it will allow the Village to make long-needed improvements to its wastewater treatment facility and allow for future expansion."

DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said: "With the economic recovery funds announced today, the Obama Administration, our Congressional Delegation and Governor Paterson are enabling these municipalities to get important infrastructure projects up and running, so that both the economy and water quality of the Finger Lakes and their adjoining river systems will benefit. Ultimately, improved water quality in the Finger Lakes system will encourage economic growth and environmental protection in the larger Lake Ontario Basin. The New York State Department of Environmental Conversation will continue to work with the Town of Owasco and the Village of Weedsport as the treatment plant projects progress towards completion."

New York Energy Research and Development Authority President Francis J. Murray, Jr. noted the dual opportunity to leverage federal economic stimulus funds by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority co-funding of engineering studies and equipment that will improve the environment and keep New York State waters clean and healthy. "Under Governor Paterson's leadership, New York State agencies and authorities have been maximizing the value of stimulus dollars by investing in projects that create good-paying jobs, protect the environment and reduce the impact on local property taxes. Working alongside the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will continue to provide technical guidance and funding to local governments to ensure that these plants are constructed to the most energy efficient standards, thereby improving their economic and environmental performance."

Town of Owasco Supervisor John Klink said: "I am extremely appreciative and grateful to the Governor, the Environmental Facilities Corporation, and the State and Federal Legislators. Through the close working partnership the Town experienced, the residents of Sewer District # 1, Havens Ave. /Melrose Road Area, will benefit greatly from the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $725,000 grant and the interest-free 30 year loan will significantly lower the bottom line cost of the project for the taxpayers."

Village of Weedsport Mayor Jean Saroodis said: "On behalf of the Village of Weedsport, I would like to say thank you. This funding will greatly help our residents, and we are very fortunate to receive this funding."

Posted Wednesday August 19, 2009 at 02:10 pm by New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation