$17 million in upgrades are essential to the future of the greater Hornell area
From the City of Hornell NY,
The Hornell Common Council recently approved several key resolutions aimed at preparing the City and surrounding communities for long-term infrastructure needs and future growth. A major focus of the meeting was the submission of multiple grant applications to fund significant upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) and sewer infrastructure throughout the City of Hornell, Village of North Hornell, and Town of Hornellsville.
A public hearing was held to review the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for Phase 1c of WPCP upgrades. This follows over $9 million already invested through Phases 1a and 1b, which brought essential improvements such as ultraviolet disinfection, modernized equipment, and a new control building HVAC system to better protect operators and equipment from sewer gas. The proposed Phase 1c will focus on upgrades to the plant’s anaerobic digesters and sludge recirculation system. The City is seeking the maximum $2 million award from a competitive $40 million state funding pool.
In addition, the Council approved a resolution declaring the City of Hornell as lead agency for a large-scale intermunicipal sewer improvement project. All in, this project will entail $17 million in investment in upgrades throughout the system. The work will start in the Town of Hornellsville with the replacement of three pump stations and aging trunk line piping, continue through the Village of North Hornell with the replacement of one pump station and lining of trunk main piping, and conclude in the City of Hornell with the repair of four existing wet wells and replacement of aging pumping equipment.
“This is the type of investment that lays the foundation for our future,” said Mayor John Buckley. “When businesses look at our area, one of the first questions they ask is whether water and sewer infrastructure is available.”
Buckley emphasized the age and nonstop use of the current system: “Much of our infrastructure dates back to the 1970s. These systems have been running 24/7 for over 50 years. They’re tired, and they need to be replaced.”
He continued, “If we just replace what’s there in-kind, you are limiting future growth. A project like this is a one-time shot to get right, expand capacity, and position us and our region for future growth.”
Grant announcements for Phase 1c are expected later this fall or early winter. The City will continue to work alongside its partners in the Village of North Hornell and Town of Hornellsville as they push forward on this transformative project.
