Clean Water Projects Receive Stimulus Funds

10/23/2009 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) today unveiled grant funds for clean water projects in Cooperstown and Richfield Springs.  New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Acting President Matthew Millea joined Senator Seward and other state and local dignitaries to announce the funding, provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 

"The forward-thinking projects safeguard our vital environmental resources while at the same time protecting the bottom line for local taxpayers," said Senator Seward.

The Village of Cooperstown received $245,000 to install new equipment to its wastewater treatment plant to direct the facility’s effluent to reconstructed wetlands on the site, providing a long-term, sustainable treatment process. This project will save local taxpayers an estimated $30,000 per year in operational and maintenance costs and further improve the water quality of the Susquehanna River and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.  

The Village of Richfield Springs received a $4 million grant 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 local 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.

For more on the story:

The Cooperstown Crier;

WKTV - News Channel 2.