Stec joins local officials at opening ceremony of Lake George Wastewater Treatment Plant

LAKE GEORGE — New York Sen. Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) on Wednesday attended the opening ceremony of the Lake George Wastewater Treatment Plant, a facility that aims to ensure the continued health of the "Queen of American Lakes" for generations to come.

For years, Stec joined a chorus of local and state officials calling for state support for the project.
Ultimately, the state contributed $14.9 million for the construction of the new plant, including $9.4 million in state grants, and $5.5 million in funding from Water Infrastructure Improvement Act and Water Quality Improvement programs.

A $9 million interest-free loan from the state Environmental Facility Corp. covered much of the remaining cost of the $24.4 million project.

All told, the state support relieved much of the burden from taxpayers in Lake George Village.

"Lake George is an ecological wonder and a cornerstone of our local economy. The importance of its long-term health cannot be understated. That's why for years I've joined with local officials and advocated for the funding necessary to complete these upgrades," Stec said. "I'm pleased that this crucial project has been completed and appreciative of the state's support."

Built in 1932, the village's previous treatment plant had been under consent order with the state Department of Environmental Conservation since 2014. In 2016, DEC ordered the Lake George to overhaul its entire treatment system, which serves the village and several nearby municipalities within the Lake George basin.

The new plant will significantly reduce the amount of nitrates and other pollutants entering the lake.

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