Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,515,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for Marion in Wayne County, along with $3,740,000 in USDA funding for Richmond in Ontario County. This federal funding will be used to build water systems that provide access to clean drinking water for local residents in both communities who today rely on low-quantity, poor-quality wells as a source for drinking water.
“Access to clean drinking water is critical to public health and economic growth,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal investment will have a profound impact on the lives of many Marion and Richmond residents and will help both towns grow and prosper.”
“When we invest in key water infrastructure like this, we can deliver clean drinking water to more Richmond and Marion families,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Upgrading water infrastructure is an effective way to attract new businesses and support new local jobs. And by making these investments at the federal level, we can hold the line on property taxes to help Marion and Richmond families keep more of what they earn.”
“The Town has been working on this project for almost 3 years and residents have been patiently waiting for their public water services during the lengthy planning stages,” said Monica Deyo, Town Supervisor for Marion. “The projected cost of $1,515,000 has been awarded to the Town through a combination of a grant and a loan by Rural Development (USDA), and we are happy to report that construction will begin within the next few months. The Town of Marion is extremely pleased to have had the guidance of Rural Development throughout the process; without their assistance, this would not have come to fruition.”
“I’d like to thank Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for the help she has given to our town in receiving this grant. We are very excited about this grant we’ll be receiving from USDA and Rural Development for our water project,” said Ralph Angelo, Supervisor, Town of Richmond. “This water project is sorely needed and will bring much needed clean water to 320 of our residents. These residents have been drawing their water from wells which are of poor quality or they have had to get their water from Honeoye Lake, which is sometimes polluted by blue green algae. This water project is slated to be completed in 2015, and this grant will make a huge difference in getting this project done at a reasonable cost. My thanks also go to Stu Brown Associates, who have helped us apply for, and get this grant.”
Marion is receiving a $611,000 grant and $904,000 loan from the USDA to install water mains along Marion East Williamson Road and Skinner Road.
Richmond is receiving a $1,400,000 grant and $2,340,000 loan to install water mains, as well as construct a pump station and a 250,000 gallon water tank. This project will create a clean water system for residents that meet safety standards and support local economic development initiatives.
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.