The Ulster County Legislature last week unanimously approved a resolution calling for a feasibility study and assessment of the quality of water and sewer systems in local municipalities, The study will gauge the effectiveness of numerous infrastructure investments totaling $7 million approved by the legislature through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“It has been decades since Ulster County last conducted a comprehensive review of its complete water and sewer infrastructure,” said legislature chair Peter Criswell, author of the resolution, in a press release.
Fourteen communities received water and sewer infrastructure funding in 2022 matching up to a third of project costs. Receiving the maximum contribution of $500,000 were the towns of Lloyd, Ulster, Marbletown, Marlborough, Rosendale, Shawangunk and New Paltz; the Village of
New Paltz was also awarded $500,000. Other towns in the program receiving funding were Saugerties ($364,297), Gardiner ($90,782), Woodstock ($66,000), Esopus ($38,000) and Wawarsing ($24,361); as well as the Village of Saugerties ($396,000).
The last countywide water supply study was performed in 1989, the last sewer study in the 1970s. These existing studies were “well beyond useful life given technology and regulatory changes.”
Municipalities often have difficulty paying for Improvements and maintenance of failing systems.
“With growing communities and new environmental challenges, it is time we take a fresh look to ensure our systems are sustainable, equitable, and capable of supporting future growth,” Criswell explained in the release. “This assessment is not only about protecting public health but also about making smart investments that drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all residents.”
Legislator Megan Sperry agreed.
“A significant roadblock to both economic and housing development in Ulster County is that we lack data and understanding of our current capacity of water and sewer infrastructure,” Sperry said. “By allowing our planning department to study the capability, age and coverage of these
systems, we can highlight prime opportunities for investment in housing and employment opportunities across the county.”
The legislature also approved $2 million in funding to expand water and sewer systems at the Quality Inn housing development.
The resolution authorizing the countywide inter-municipal water and sewer feasibility studies stipulates that the plan be presented to the legislature after an RFP (request for proposals) is completed in time to include funding in the 2025 Ulster County budget.
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