Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $1.2 Million In USDA Funding For Two Rochester-Finger Lakes Region Municipalities

Oct 28, 2014

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,285,000 in federal funding for the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Water and Environmental Program. The Town of Batavia will receive a loan of $516,000 and a grant of $421,000 in order to install 18,250 feet of water main down parts of Pratt and Powers Road. This water main will bring clean water to the 32 residents who currently have contamination of E coli in their private wells. The Town of Waterloo will receive a grant of $348,000 to complete the installation of a water main along Reed Road and Hecker Road. The project will also cover a portion of NYS Route 96 and Mills Road.

“Upgrading our aging water and sewer systems is critical to public health, a thriving economy and a clean environment,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal investment in the water-sewer systems of Batavia and Waterloo will positively impact residents and businesses in the Rochester-Finger Lakes area.”

“This is a much needed investment for the Town of Waterloo and the Town of Batavia,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Upgrading water infrastructure is an effective way to support local businesses and attract new jobs. This critical funding will help protect the health and quality of life of residents by delivering clean water to more local families.”

“I’m  elated with the news that the funding for the project has come through its another example of positive benefit to our local community from our continued collaboration with our federal representatives and  town residents to have a sustainable affordable opportunity for high quality drinking water,” said Greg Post, Supervisor for the Town of Batavia.

“We want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support,” said Gary Westfall, Supervisor for the Town of Waterloo. Without this grant, this project would not have proceeded and we would have had to close on the project. This is a big plus to 38  households who rely on potable water.”

USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.