August 31, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $13 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR MOHAWK VALLEY DRINKING WATER PROJECTS
Governor David A. Paterson today announced $13.8 million for drinking water projects in the Mohawk Valley through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Projects in Otsego and Montgomery counties will improve drinking water systems, create jobs and better protect public health. The Governor announced a total of $87 million for 14 such projects across the State.
“Safe, potable water is necessary for our lives and livelihood and these economic recovery funds will support major capital improvements to our drinking water systems,” Governor Paterson said. “In addition to improving the quality of our water, these funds will also create new jobs and promote economic development. I thank President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for setting aside stimulus funds for these critical projects.”
The funding will support capital improvements to drinking water systems, including the construction of new wells, pumps and pump stations, water storage tanks, and disinfection systems; the replacement of aged water distribution mains; and the expansion of public water to areas currently served by poor quality private wells.
The projects include:
- The Village of Unadilla in Otsego County will receive $3.2 million to support the planning, design and construction of a new well to replace an existing failed well and upgrades to an existing well to address drinking water quality issues. Work at the new well site will include a new pump, pump house, controls, disinfection system, and transmission main to connect the new well to the existing distribution system. Upgrades to the existing well site include a new pump, pump house, controls, and new treatment equipment. The project also includes replacement of aging and undersized water distribution mains and looping dead end mains throughout the Village. The upgrade of the distribution mains will conserve water through the reduction of leaks resulting in energy savings through the need to process and pump less water.
- The City of Amsterdam in Montgomery County will receive $10.6 million to support the planning, design and construction of a major upgrade of the City's existing water treatment plant which is over 30 years old and cannot meet current standards. The work includes a new sedimentation/clarification process to improve pre-filter solids removal, a new ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system; a new carbon contact system for taste and odor control, corrosion control treatment and a multi-level intake system at the City's Steele Reservoir.
The projects will be supplemented with additional funding through the State’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. To ensure that the projects proceed quickly, the State Department of Health and the Environmental Facilities Corporation, which co-administer the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, have identified the projects contracted to begin work by February 17, 2010.
The following statements were provided in support of the drinking water projects:
Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “The economic recovery package is putting people to work updating our aging water infrastructure in counties across New York State. The investment will provide safe, quality drinking water for countless residents, boost the local economy and save or create jobs in the process.”
Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “This is a great investment for New York. These federal funds will create new jobs, rebuild critical infrastructure, help us clean up the environment and deliver clean drinking water to New York families. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and the entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
Congressman Michael Arcuri said: “Aging infrastructure deprives too many New Yorkers of access to a clean, reliable water supply. This funding is especially important for rural areas like the Village of Unadilla, where $3.2 million in Recovery dollars will translate into vital improvements and the creation of much-needed jobs. I look forward to following the progress of these projects in my district, and will continue working to ensure that other critical water projects receive the funding they need.”
Congressman Paul Tonko said: “Throughout Upstate New York there is a dire need to rebuild, update and modernize our crumbling sewer and water infrastructure. I applaud Governor Paterson and his Economic Recovery Cabinet for recognizing these important projects. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is designed to make our aging infrastructure safer and more efficient. This project not only provides needed employment opportunities, but also opens the door for new economic development in Amsterdam, as a newer, safer and more efficient water system will attract new investment opportunities right in the core of our cities.”
State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. said: “New York’s drinking water systems are second to none when it comes to excellent water quality and quantity, but there is a continued need to reinvest in the critical drinking water infrastructure needed to supply drinking water to our 20 million residents.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “New York has made major progress in improving water quality since the passage of the Clean Water Act. The last thing we want to do is turn back the clock. Thanks to Governor Paterson and our Congressional delegation, New York has secured a record amount for stimulus-funded clean water projects that will help communities around the State struggling to repair old infrastructure systems, boost local economies, and protect water quality for this and future generations.”
Environmental Protection Agency Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou said: “This funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will not only ensure clean water, which is vital to the health of every city and town across New York State, but also create jobs, provide a boost to local economies and protect public health.”
Acting President of the State Environmental Facilities Corporation Matthew Millea said: “Our partners at the Department of Health have done an exemplary job in working to identify these communities and ensure that they benefit from the federal stimulus program. We look forward to doing our part to help make these important public health projects a reality.”
