Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Dan Maffei today announced $4,091,000 in federal funding for Central New York. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The Village of Tully will receive a $3,131,000 loan to replace an outdated well house, replace an old water tank and to replace a small waterline. The Town of Brutus will receive a $430,000 grant and a $530,000 loan to help improve water quality in the area.
“Having a state-of-the-art waste-water system is critical to public health and the environment,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal investment will have a positive impact on the lives of many residents and businesses in both the Village of Tully and the Town of Brutus. Having an effective sewer system will help towns and villages like these in Central New York to grow and prosper.”
“This is a much needed investment for Central New York,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Upgrading water infrastructure is an effective way to support local businesses and attract new jobs. This critical funding will help enhance resident’s quality of life by delivering clean drinking water to more local families.”
“This funding is great news for the Village of Tully and the Town of Brutus,” said U.S. Representative Dan Maffei. “We must upgrade our water infrastructure to ensure our families and businesses have access to clean water and ensure Central New York has the structural framework in place to grow our economy and create jobs for years to come.”
“The Village has worked over the past 4 1/2 years with USDA to secure funding to address the numerous deficiencies of our aging water system infrastructure,” said Beth Greenwood, Mayor of Tully. “Although this bond will double the costs of water for all of our users, the work that will be done will ensure that the ongoing operation of our system meets basic 10 States Standard and will allow the Village to provide our water users with safe drinking 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.