Seward Announces Tompkins Budget Awards

At Dryden’s village hall, Senator James L. Seward today announced that the 2008-2009 state budget includes, at his request, senate funding for several initiatives of local importance to the villages of Dryden, Freeville and Groton. Seward unveiled the awards with local officials.

Village of Dryden                      Generator                                         $20,000

Village of Groton                      Wastewater treatment                    $40,000

Village of Freeville                   Pedestrian walkway                       $10,000

"It’s about holding the line on property taxes, returning a few dollars to the community, and providing important local services," Seward said. "The funding offers real solutions that will help keep down local expenses."

Dryden’s funding will help purchase a 60K generator and automatic switching panel that will activate the generator and provide power to the village hall, police department, emergency communications, fire and rescue personnel and emergency siren when power fails. The emergency siren is used for all calls, and is the only early warning system should the flood control dam fail.

The grant for Groton will help the village meet state environmental mandates to improve its wastewater treatment plant and reduce pressure on local sewer rates. In Freeville, the senate assistance will help develop a paved trail from Lehigh Crossings across Railroad Street to the village hall. At that point it will join the Dryden Trail. The path will include lighting, shrubbery and benches and be ADA accessible.

"The senate funding helps local programs and meets locally identified community needs that would not be possible without state assistance," Senator Seward said. "When it comes to local governments, the senate help reduces pressure on tax rates and tight budgets, especially in rural areas."

Seward said the money was itemized in the state budget under new disclosure rules, and is intended to help local programs.

"The programs identified as eligible for the awards improve the quality of life of many people in specific ways. I am glad that the senate could assist," Seward concluded.