A $3.1 million wastewater infrastructure project has been completed in the Town of Westport, Essex County, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The initiative aims to protect public health and Lake Champlain’s water quality while supporting the region’s tourism economy. Funding for the project came from state, federal, and local sources to reduce the financial burden on local residents.
Governor Hochul stated, “Every New Yorker deserves access to affordable clean water and reliable infrastructure. This investment in Westport is a win for families, local businesses, and the millions who visit Lake Champlain each year. By making critical upgrades affordable for small communities, we’re protecting public health, supporting a vital tourism economy and building a more sustainable future for the Adirondacks, North Country and beyond.”
The project addressed aging infrastructure in Sewer District No. 1 by lining and replacing deteriorated gravity sewers and manholes that had allowed stormwater and groundwater to enter the system. This work reduced inflow and infiltration into the wastewater collection system, lessening strain on treatment facilities and improving reliability. These improvements help ensure compliance with state environmental regulations and contribute to better water quality in Lake Champlain.
Financial support included grants from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), as well as interest-free financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Specifically, Westport received a $1.9 million Water Quality Improvement Project grant, a $100,000 Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant, a $309,000 Water Infrastructure Improvement grant, and $928,000 in interest-free hardship financing.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund is projected to save Westport ratepayers over $1.3 million in debt service compared to traditional borrowing methods. According to state officials, subsidized loans can save communities up to 75 percent in interest payments versus municipal bond market rates.
State officials emphasize that repayments into revolving funds create ongoing revenue streams for future infrastructure needs across New York State. Each year these funds deliver over $1 billion statewide for clean water projects. Combined with targeted grants, they form part of New York’s strategy to modernize water systems while minimizing costs for residents.
The completion of this project aligns with Governor Hochul’s broader agenda focused on affordability and clean water access throughout New York. This year alone, 22 percent of state revolving fund assistance—totaling $263 million—was allocated to Adirondack communities. Over the past decade EFC has awarded $623 million in financing as well as state and federal grants within this region.
In addition to large-scale investments such as this one in Westport, DEC has funded 76 projects worth more than $71 million through its Water Quality Improvement Project program over ten years in the Adirondacks area.
Applications for additional funding remain open through July 31, 2025 via New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application portal.
EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Modern, reliable wastewater systems are essential to community health and environmental protection. EFC is pleased to support the Town of Westport’s strategic investments in its water infrastructure, making this project affordable for ratepayers and ensuring that Lake Champlain continues to thrive as both an ecological asset and a cornerstone of the local tourism economy.”
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton added: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is making record investments to enhance water quality in Lake Champlain and in communities throughout the state. Overhauling Westport’s aging infrastructure and updating wastewater treatment operations reduce pollution and phosphorus that impairs Lake Champlain, threatens drinking water, and contributes to harmful algal blooms. DEC looks forward to continuing to make these essential investments to reduce the financial burden on New Yorkers, safeguard drinking water, and ensure our natural resources are well protected.”
Senator Charlies Schumer commented: “Lake Champlain is a crown jewel of the North Country and boosts our local tourism economy. I’m proud to have delivered nearly $1 million in federal funding to modernize the Town of Westport’s wastewater system. This upgrade will help keep Lake Champlain clean by cleaning up the gravity sewers and manholes, preserving the lake’s crucial role for tourism in the North Country – all while creating good-paying jobs, jobs, jobs. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership in the fight to turn the tide on our state’s aging water sewer infrastructure to keep our communities economically safe, healthy and vibrant.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “The health and safety of our communities is dependent on access to safe and reliable water infrastructure. Far too many across the country lack access to the functional and efficient water systems they need, and I am proud that this project will help protect the welfare of Westport families and the millions who visit Lake Champlain every year. I will continue fighting in the Senate to bring home more funding to modernize our aging infrastructure so that all New Yorkers have access to the clean and efficient water systems they deserve.”
Town Supervisor Michael “Ike” Tyler noted: “This project was essential for our community. With State support we were able take on a critical infrastructure challenge in a way that was financially responsible for our residents. These upgrades will protect our residents our environment,and lake we all depend on.”
Essex County Chairman Shaun Gillilland said: “This project is a showcase example of teamwork at all levels of New Yorkand local governmentto combatand alleviate themost challenging stresseson ruralinfrastructure; namelymodernizingand improving olderpublic wastewatersystems toen surethey improveand not deteriorateour naturalwater resourcesand drinkingwater.”
New York continues its investment efforts with another round of EFC Water Infrastructure Improvement Grants now open at www.efc.ny.gov . In total since 2017,the state has invested$6 billioninwaterinfrastructure including$500millionallocatedforcleanwaterintheFY26EnactedBudgetannouncedbyGovernorHochul.CommunitiesneedingassistanceareencouragedtocontactEFCforguidance,andprojectscanbetrackedusingtheinteractiveimpactdashboardprovidedbytheagency.
