Services Funded by Grants Through New York State's Historic $150 Million Investment to Address Mount Vernon's Crumbling Sewer Systems
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard today announced the Mount Vernon City Council has approved $6 million in State-funded contracts that allow for critical work to move forward in addressing the City's decaying water and wastewater infrastructure. The contracts are the first approved under the State's historic $150 million investment to address the City's longstanding water and wastewater infrastructure issues and related public health challenges. This key milestone enables the start of priority sewer repairs and long-term planning for future wastewater projects, and connects City officials to technical, managerial and financial consultants to help guide this work.
"This 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 Hochul said. "I envisioned moments like this - seeing the tangible results for the City 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."
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, "As Mayor of a historically marginalized community on the edge of one of the wealthiest counties in the country, I am excited that Governor Hochul has embraced both the theory and practical application of equitable environmental infrastructure and deviated from the color-blind health and environmental injustices of the past. 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. 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."
The contracts are funded by State grants through the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation in partnership with the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health. The contracts provide for the following activities:
- $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.
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "This historic project is moving forward under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership to address the water infrastructure crisis that's plagued the people of Mount Vernon for far too long. With these projects underway, progress is advancing and we look forward to continuing to work with our City, state agency, and community partners to achieve life-changing results for Mount Vernon residents."
State Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett said, "Governor Hochul recognizes that improving the public's health includes making strategic investments to ensure a clean environment. These improvements to the City's sanitary sewer system will help protect the health of the residents of Mount Vernon."
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