Down the Drain: Endicott Gets Wastewater Money

Endicott is among 27 municipalities selected to participate in the New York State Clean Water Infrastructure Asset Management Program to develop programs to monitor, protect and plan upgrades to wastewater infrastructure.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) says the designation will provide the Village technical resource, training and consulting services at no cost.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul says the program supports ongoing efforts to support stewardship of the state’s investment in clean water infrastructure and environmental protection.

Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News (file)

The Democrat says the 27 municipalities will get help in in advancing resources and expertise to establish programs on the local level to maintain and upgrade essential services. That can include evaluating flood resilience needs.

According to a news release from the Governor’s office, funds will go toward procedures to inventory, assess and track wastewater facilities through their life cycle, building on a 2021 pilot program in ten municipalities.

The second phase that was announced October 7 provides engineering consultant planning services, software management systems and technical training to local governments. The program looks to have local systems identify weaknesses and promote repairs before a failure.

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The $10 million for the program is coming through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act.

The Village of Bath was the only other municipality identified in the Southern Tier district as being selected to participate in the water infrastructure asset management program.

More information about the program can be found at dec.ny.gov/chemical/101412.html.

In other action involving clean water in New York, last week, Governor Hochul signed legislation to strengthen action against those who pollute municipal drinking water. The new law allows local water authorities to take legal action against polluters for claims that were previously banned due to the statute of limitations running out.

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