Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced the allocation of $2 million in funding for the Consolidated Regional Sewer System Project in Fulton County. The funding, secured through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, aims to enhance wastewater infrastructure around the Great Sacandaga Lake region to safeguard water quality.

Stefanik emphasized the importance of sewer investments in rural communities, stating, “As we look across the district for infrastructure needs, the sewer investments are very important and they are just in need in rural communities across the country.”

Fulton County's ambitious sewer system expansion project, estimated to cost over $8 million to extend pipelines from Gloversville to Mayfield, received a significant boost with the additional funding. The long-term goal of extending the system to Northville comes with an estimated cost of $30 million.

County Administrator Jon Stead expressed gratitude for the $2 million allocation, noting, “We’re very happy and the $2 million is a very nice feature.” The initial phase of the project, funded by COVID-19 relief funds, is set to commence construction soon, with ManFred Construction leading the efforts.

Fulton County Planning Department Director Scott Henze outlined the construction timeline, stating, “When we met with them, we talked about the project, how they were going to phase it and they seemed eager and gung-ho to start laying the pipes from Gloversville to Mayfield.”

To progress further towards their goal, the county must obtain approval from Glove Cities, jointly operating the Gloversville-Johnstown Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility. Johnstown Mayor Amy Praught emphasized the need for contractual changes before endorsing the agreement.

County Administrator Jon Stead expressed optimism for a prompt resolution, mentioning, “Hopefully, within two weeks, that’ll be signed, sealed and delivered.”

The funding secured by Congresswoman Stefanik represents a significant step forward in bolstering water infrastructure in Fulton County, ensuring the preservation of water quality in the Great Sacandaga Lake region.