U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $652,000 in federal funding for the Town of Richmond in Ontario County to make new investments in local water infrastructure. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Grant Program. Specifically, this funding comes in the form of a loan, which can be paid back over 38 years with low interest. These funds will be used to install approximately 36,500 feet of water main lines, valves, hydrants and appurtenances along several roads in the Town of Richmond that are not currently served by a public water source. Part of these funds will also be used to construct a pump station and install a 250,000 gallon water storage tank to provide adequate capacity, pressure and fire protection for the project area. The total cost of the project is $4,392,000.
“With this low-interest loan, the Town of Richmond in Ontario County will now be able to make crucial improvements to its water district without passing the entire financial burden onto local taxpayers. Not only will this funding allow the town to bring water lines to residents who do not have access to public water, these water system improvements will also give Richmond the capacity it needs to better protect this area from fires,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a wise investment in infrastructure that will increase safety as well as enhance access to clean drinking water, which is vital to the town and its residents’ long-term health and prosperity.”
“This funding is a critical investment in the Town of Richmond’s infrastructure,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Upgrading our water infrastructure would help boost economic development and protect public health by delivering cleaner, healthier water to families and businesses in the community. When these necessary upgrades are funded through USDA, it helps ensure that local taxpayers aren’t left footing the bill alone.”
USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal 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.