Governor Paterson Announces $5.4 Million for a Clean Water Project for the Village of Richfield Springs

ALBANY, NY (10/23/2009)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the Village of Richfield Springs (Otsego County) will receive a $4 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for a $5.4 million clean water project. The Village will replace sections of its 47 year-old sewer system and install conventional wastewater treatment facility upgrades using energy-efficient and "green" technologies. The project will save Village taxpayers an estimated $5 million in avoided interest and energy costs, while significantly reducing the facility's carbon emissions and improving the water quality of the Canadarago Lake.

Governor Paterson said: "This is a significant investment for Otsego County that saves local taxpayers money for years to come. Upgrading wastewater treatment systems is critical to public health, environmental quality, and our long-term economic viability. I would like to thank President Obama and the New York Congressional Delegation for these federal dollars that support job creation in the Mohawk Valley and make critical infrastructure improvements in the Village of Richfield Springs."

U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY-24) said: "I am glad to see these federal stimulus dollars going to such a worthy project in Otsego County. Our region's aging infrastructure is a major concern for cities, towns and municipalities across Upstate New York. It is imperative that we devote grants to fixing these issues so that we can protect our natural resources and our way of life without saddling residents in our smallest communities with the entire burden of these multi-million dollar projects. This funding for Richfield Springs does exactly that and I look forward to more critical projects just like this starting in other areas soon."

Upon completion, the Richfield Springs wastewater collection system, which services 511 homes and 153 businesses, will have improved energy-efficiency and reliability to prevent groundwater infiltration. In addition, the Village plans to implement an innovative treatment process, which utilizes a reed bed to naturally treat and store waste sludge, saving the Village sludge removal costs. The renovated treatment facility also incorporates energy-efficient technologies including solar panels and high-efficiency pumps and blowers. The Village solicited bids on October 15th. Construction is expected to begin January 2010 and will be completed by July 2011.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Environmental Facilities Corporation Board Chairman Pete Grannis said: "This small village is demonstrating what it means to be a green leader by implementing infrastructure improvements that go beyond the status quo and will result in significant environmental benefits. I thank President Obama, Governor Paterson, our Congressional Delegation, and the many other partners who are supporting this project to improve water quality, boost energy savings, and lower operating costs in Richfield Springs."

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation administers the $5.4 million funding package for this clean water project, which includes a $1.4 million zero-interest loan via the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Acting President Matthew Millea said: "The Village has waited many years to undertake this truly innovative project. Thanks to Governor Paterson and the New York Congressional Delegation, in particular Congressman Arcuri, for their support and efforts to ensure that the federal stimulus program reaches communities experiencing hardship."

New York State received a record $432 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. To date, Governor Paterson has announced 41 projects that will benefit from this notable program totaling over $400 million. As mandated by the Recovery Act, 20 percent of each state's allocation must fund 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 Village of Richfield Springs clean water project:

Village of Richfield Springs Mayor Ronald Frohne said: "On behalf of the residents of Richfield Springs, the Village Board wishes to thank the elected officials who helped us secure the money for this project: Governor Patterson, Congressman Arcuri, Senator Seward, and Assemblyman Magee. The funding allows us to complete needed upgrades to our waste water plant and collection systems that are both environmentally friendly and economically sound."

New York State Senator James Seward said: "Green projects like this one will mean clean, safe water for the residents of Richfield Springs and improved infrastructure for local businesses. Utilizing federal funds for this environmentally sound project allows the village to prepare for the future and preserve our natural resources while keeping local taxes in check."

New York State Assemblyman William Magee said: "I am pleased to learn that the Village of Richfield Springs, located within the 111th Assembly District, will be receiving stimulus funding for a major water quality project. Funding provided through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund will certainly create new jobs and most importantly create a safer environment for its residents by improving water quality."

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Posted Friday October 23, 2009 at 02:15 pm by New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation