Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on $11 Million Wastewater Treatment Project in Village of Waddington, St. Lawrence County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on an $11 million wastewater collection and treatment facilities improvement project awarded to the Village of Waddington, St. Lawrence County, through the State's Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative. The wastewater treatment collection system and treatment plant are owned and operated by the Village of Waddington.

"In 2019, historic flooding along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River devastated the infrastructure and economies of communities throughout the region," Governor Hochul said. "Now, through the REDI program, shoreline communities like the Village of Waddington are using a forward-looking approach to build back better with climate resilience in mind. By improving and strengthening the flood mitigation infrastructure through investments like the $11 million wastewater collection and treatment facility project announced today, we are not only protecting residents and property, but safeguarding the village's critical tourism industry and enhancing quality of life for future generations."

Due to its proximity to the St. Lawrence River, the wastewater treatment infrastructure is negatively impacted by high water levels and flooding, creating infiltration and inflow issues which are worsened by the lack of storm sewers in the Village of Waddington. The project will bring the aging infrastructure in compliance with current standards, protecting public health and promoting potential economic growth. Additionally, the project will implement flood resiliency measures designed to reduce the impact of future high water.

Resiliency measures for this project include:

1. Replacement of the existing outdated unlined clay tile sewer main collection system with new mains and manholes to reduce ground water infiltration and inflow associated with high water levels;
2. Construction of new storm sewers and catch basins adequately sized to convey surface runoff and inflow from sump pumps, roof drains and area drains, to reduce unwanted storm flows into sanitary system;
3. All seven pump stations throughout the collection system will receive pump replacements and controls, new meters, new alarms, and new windows, doors and roofs;
4. The main pump station in collection system will include a new permanent emergency generator with automatic transfer switch; and
5. Improvements to the treatment plant including replacement or repair of aging infrastructure designed to protect treatment process from flooding events.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and REDI Commission Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, "Increased fluctuation in water levels on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River have threatened critical infrastructure, particularly wastewater treatment facilities in communities along the shoreline. Through the Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, New York State agencies are working collaboratively with communities to identify, reimagine, and rebuild at-risk assets. Through these investments, New York State is strengthening local economies, protecting public health, improving habitat, and safeguarding vital infrastructure. DEC is proud to work with the Village of Waddington to advance projects that support this community's preparedness for future flooding events."

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "Today's announcement is a testament to Governor Hochul's commitment to providing real solutions that position shoreline communities for growth, prosperity, and resiliency in the face of climate change and extreme weather. EFC is pleased to work with our state partners to provide an $11 million grant to the Village of Waddington to get this critical project underway."

New York Power Authority Interim President and CEO and St. Lawrence County REDI Commissioner Justin E. Driscoll said, "The Power Authority is enormously proud of the work undertaken by New York's REDI Commission on critical infrastructure projects including the wastewater treatment plant in Waddington. The refurbishment of this plant is a prime example of New York State making strategic investments to assist local communities in protecting public health and safeguarding vital community resources against the impacts of climate change."

State Senator Patty Ritchie said, "I am pleased to see ground being broken on this effort to improve the Village of Waddington's wastewater collection and treatment facilities. Through this project, not only will infrastructure be more securely safeguarded from the elements, it will also be enhanced in a way that better protects public health. In addition, we all know solid, reliable infrastructure is key to economic activity and these types of improvements will help encourage development in the area."

Assemblymember Mark Walczyk said, "This wastewater and sewage infrastructure project has been a long time coming for Waddington and wouldn't be feasible without the state's support."

St. Lawrence County Chairman William Sheridan said, "The latest REDI Project along the St. Lawrence River is the Wastewater Treatment and Storm Water Collection Plant in Waddington. It is a critical infrastructure project that will improve the sustainability of a growing community. This area along the River will benefit tremendously from $11 million in improvements to their Plant that sits adjacent to one of the premier water bodies in the County. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued support of the REDI Initiatives that so many communities benefit from as they recover from damage and prepare for the future."

Village of Waddington Mayor Mike Zagrobelny said, "As mayor of the Village of Waddington, I'm grateful to Governor Hochul and the REDI Commission for the vital help in securing Waddington's infrastructure for generations to come. The State's commitment allows the Village to proceed with Phase I of Waddington's Wastewater Treatment and Collection System, and Stormwater collection system upgrades. Much of the system is almost 100 years old and will make Waddington more resilient to changes in water levels in the St. Lawrence River while preserving the delicate balance between village infrastructure and natural habitat. I am particularly grateful to past and present Village Board members, Village Staff, local contractors, and NYS agencies for helping to make this project a reality. "

In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, New York State established REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Five REDI Regional Planning Committees, comprised of representatives from eight counties (Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence) were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million to benefit communities and improve resiliency in flood prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Since the creation of the State's REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 51 projects in the design phase, 40 projects in the construction phase, and 43 projects completed.

For additional information, project profiles and REDI news, click here.