New York Construction Report staff writer
Mount Vernon city council has approved $6 million in state-funded contracts for critical work on decaying water and wastewater infrastructure.
The contracts are the first approved under the State’s historic $150 million investment to address longstanding water and wastewater infrastructure issues and related public health challenges.
“Today’s announcement is about action for Mount Vernon. It’s about making good on the promises we made in April when we announced the historic $150 million investment to start rebuilding the city’s crumbling water and sewer systems,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
“I envisioned moments like this – seeing the tangible results and taking a big step towards ensuring that Mount Vernon residents, businesses and visitors have access to the reliable water and sewer infrastructure systems that they deserve.”
Work will include:
- $5 million to plan, design, and construct priority wastewater projects identified in the city’s Illicit Discharge Action Plan dated June 2022. The plan identifies all the discharges to the storm sewer system that are not specifically stormwater, such as leaking sanitary sewers.
- $500,000 for sewer cleaning services and closed-circuit TV inspection of sewer lines to support capital improvement project planning. Televising the lines will bring visibility to what’s happening underground by identifying blockages and leaks or potential failures in the system.
- $500,000 for professional consultant services to provide training, technical, managerial, and financial assessments, funding application assistance, and on-site technical assistance.
“For decades, inferior infrastructure and housing have negatively influenced learning outcomes and lifetime earning potential in communities of color and Mount Vernon is no different,” said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “This landmark investment from the State will allow the city to secure the expertise necessary to jumpstart capital projects alongside our Public Works staff to improve the long-term wealth and welfare of all Mount Vernon residents.”
An additional $3 million in federal funding was allocated to assist Mount Vernon residents impacted by the sewer and water infrastructure crisis in the city through the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery’s Healthy Homes pilot program announced in July.
