Governor Signs State Assemblyman Buchwald and Senator Mayer’s Bill to Improve Wastewater Treatment in Bedford Saving Town Taxpayers Millions

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed into law legislation sponsored by State Assemblyman David Buchwald and Senator Shelley Mayer that authorizes the transfer of an underutilized state wastewater treatment plant near the Bedford Hills and Taconic Correctional Facilities, to the Town of Bedford.

The transfer enables Bedford to increase wastewater services for the nearby business districts in Bedford Hills and Katonah, residential areas and the Bedford Hills Elementary School, all without the multi-million dollar expense of building a new treatment plant.

“Thanks to this outstanding example of governmental shared services, Bedford taxpayers will save millions of dollars in infrastructure costs,” said Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Mount Kisco). “At the same time, improved wastewater treatment capacity is a win for the environment.”

“This bill underscores our commitment to work with local governments to create more efficient government and services,” said Senator Shelley Mayer (D-Westchester). “I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important legislation, which will allow the Town of Bedford to make use of an underutilized wastewater treatment facility to serve more residents and become eligible for additional grants to save taxpayers money.”

“Our business districts of Bedford Hills and Katonah will benefit enormously from the sewer system and the Town’s acquisition of the wastewater treatment plant is pivotal to the plan which is the underpinning for future growth while protecting water quality,” said Bedford Town Supervisor Chris Burdick. “I applaud the work of Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Buchwald for their efforts, along with the representatives of the State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and New York City Department of Environmental Protection.”

“We are grateful to have a direct line to our elected officials,” said Katonah Chamber of Commerce Co-President Alan Eifert. “Thanks to the legislation passed by our state representatives, important infrastructure improvements are coming to the area, and the business community appreciates that our elected officials continue to work with us as partners.”

“This important legislation helps move us forward in protecting our environment while supporting our business community,” said Bedford Hills Live Co-Founder Terrie Paladino. “Municipal wastewater treatment services will greatly benefit our residents and our commercial district, and thanks to the transfer of the state treatment facility to the town, it comes at a great savings for taxpayers.”

The legislation signed by the Governor (A.7559/S.8349) allowing the Town of Bedford to become the formal owner of the wastewater treatment facility, enables the town to apply for additional grants to fund substantial improvements in clean water and sewer services.

The transfer of the treatment plant and property had received statements of approval from the State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, The New York City Department of Environmental Protection which owns the nearby Cross River Reservoir, and the New York State Office of General Services.