Legislators approve final bond for sewer project
TROY, N.Y. >> Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution that would be the final component of a state-ordered Combined Sewer Overflow Long-Term Control Plan signed in December 2013.
Legislators approved a $3 million bond at their Thursday night meeting to help finish the project, becoming the first in the region to complete its project without any penalties or fines for noncompliance.
“This is a major step forward for Rensselaer County and brings us closer to successfully completing this state-mandated series of projects,” said Phil Danaher, the Legislature’s vice chairman for finance.”We can be proud of this effort by our team in the county.”
The $140 million, multi-municipality plan developed at the behest of the state Department of Environmental Conservation also includes the cities of Albany, Cohoes, Rensselaer and Watervliet and the village of Green Island and specifically targets the release of sewage into the Hudson River whenever stormwater systems are overwhelmed by heavy rain or other runoff.
“This project aims at improving the quality of the Hudson River and improving a tremendous environmental, recreational and cultural resource for our region,” said Leon Fiacco, chairman of the Legislature’s Environment Committee.
Legislators said the project brought new jobs and investment to the county and helped current businesses like Regeneron, which added almost 300 new jobs thanks to extension of sewer service to its Rensselaer facility.
“This work has ensured our compliance with this state consent order and mandate,” said Majority Leader Ken Herrington. ”It has also helped improve the overall efficiency and performance of the county sewer district, which will continue to help us attract new jobs and investment.”
County projects included establishment of a new ultraviolet disinfection process, improvement of four pump stations — two in Troy and two in Rensselaer — and a sludgedegritting project.
Legislators said the work was much needed.
“The sewer district was built over 40 years ago, and the sewer plant was neglected for several years,” said Legislator Mark Fleming. “It’s time that we did upgrade it so it can meet EPA standards and to keep the area clean.”
To date, the Rensselaer County Sewer District has already spent about $24 million on state-mandated projects, including the $3 million approved by legislators Thursday. The district was awarded a $2.1 million state grant to help pay for work at the Troy pump stations.