U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced an $855,000 grant and $1,100,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Throop in Cayuga Country. This federal funding will be used to create a water system that provides access to clean drinking water for Throop residents who currently extract their water from wells with poor water quality and/or purchase bottled water for consumption. No water lines currently exist in Throop’s Water District #1, hampering economic growth and creating undue hardship for residents.
“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 Throop residents and will help the entire town grow and prosper.”
“This is a smart investment for Throop families and businesses,” said Senator Gillibrand. “When we build new waterlines, we can deliver clean drinking water to local families, and help attract new businesses to grow our economy. And when this funding comes at the federal level, that helps reduce the burden on local taxpayers.”
Many Throop residents who will enjoy the new water system currently experience problems with insufficient quantity of water, poor water quality, high costs to maintain existing wells, and no fire protection. This federal investment will be used to install water mains, valves, hydrants, and other water system parts along portions of Canoga Rd., Donovan Rd., Day Rd, Griffen Rd., McDonald Rd., Nugent Rd., Northrup Rd., Powers Rd, Turnpike Rd., and Youngs Rd. This project will create a clean water system for residents that is compliant with federal and state regulations and compatible with area-wide 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.