October 24, 2003

County Receives $100,000 Grant to Assist Sewer Improvements
Pawling Residents to Benefit

Poughkeepsie... County Executive William R. Steinhaus with Thomas LeGrand, Chairman of the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (DCWWA) announced today receipt of a $100,000 grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to be used for wastewater facility improvements in Pawling.

“I’ve always encouraged staff to seek outside funding sources that can assist in making improvements to our County Infrastructure. In this case we became aware funds were available for the County and I requested the Authority to work with our local municipalities to put together a project that would qualify for the funding. I’m pleased to announce that we’ve been able to work through the DCWWA and the Joint Village and Town of Pawling Sewer District to identify a sewer line replacement that is eligible for the use of this funding source,” said County Executive Steinhaus.

The funds are available through NYS DEC specifically for use in the Croton Watershed. The southern portion of the Town and Village and are located in the Croton Watershed. The Pawling Joint Sewer District will replace an undersized 4-inch sewer line in a portion of East Main Street with a new 8" line, and the work is expected to be completed in 2004.

Authority Chairman Tom LeGrand stated, “We’re pleased to be able assist our local municipalities in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Maintaining and improving infrastructure in our communities is critical to the overall environmental and economic health of our County.”

“This grant will enable us to complete the replacement of some 1100 feet of undersized sewer line which will help avoid the possibility of sewer backups and spills that could contaminate runoff waters to the Great Swamp,” said Pawling Town Supervisor Ed Hauser. “It is a very important step for the environment and another example of cooperation between the Village, the Town and the County,” he added.

“We wish to thank County Executive Steinhaus and the Water Authority for these efforts. These system improvements will provide better services to our residents, contribute to cost savings for all ratepayers, while protecting the Great Swamp and the Croton Watershed,” said Councilperson Beth Coursen.

“This project demonstrates the County and the Authority’s ability to collaborate with local municipalities and assist them in maintaining stronger community centers with adequate infrastructures,” said County Executive Steinhaus.
 

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