A $3.1 million wastewater infrastructure project has been completed in the Town of Westport, Essex County, according to an announcement from Governor Hochul. The upgrades are intended to protect public health and the environment while supporting Lake Champlain’s role in regional tourism. Funding for the project came from state, federal, and local sources to reduce costs for local ratepayers.
Governor Hochul said, “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 work focused on rehabilitating Sewer District No. 1 by lining and replacing deteriorated gravity sewers and manholes that had allowed stormwater and groundwater into the system. These repairs have reduced inflow and infiltration issues that previously strained the treatment plant and threatened water quality in Lake Champlain.
The funding package included 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 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This assistance is expected to save local ratepayers over $1.3 million compared to traditional financing methods.
State officials noted that subsidized loans through revolving funds can lower community borrowing costs by up to 75 percent compared with municipal bond market rates. Loan repayments help maintain these funds as a recurring source of revenue for future infrastructure needs across New York State.
In recent years, New York has allocated significant resources toward water infrastructure projects statewide—including dedicating 22 percent of its State Revolving Funds this year (totaling $263 million) specifically to Adirondack communities like Westport. Over the past decade, EFC has provided $623 million in grants and financing within this region alone.
DEC has also funded 76 projects through its Water Quality Improvement Project program over ten years—totaling more than $71 million—to upgrade critical systems throughout the Adirondacks.
Currently, applications are open for additional state grants via New York’s Consolidated Funding Application portal until July 31, 2025 at 4 p.m., with at least $75 million available through DEC’s WQIP program.
EFC is accepting applications for another round of grants totaling $325 million—with enhanced awards aimed at sewer projects in small or rural municipalities—and has doubled some grant amounts from 25 percent to 50 percent of eligible project costs for struggling communities.
EFC President Maureen A. Coleman stated: “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… DEC looks forward to continuing…to reduce the financial burden on New Yorkers.”
Senator Charles Schumer said: “Lake Champlain is a crown jewel of the North Country…I’m proud to have delivered nearly $1 million in federal funding…This upgrade will help keep Lake Champlain clean by cleaning up gravity sewers…preserving…tourism…while creating good-paying jobs…I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership…”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand commented: “The health and safety of our communities is dependent on access to safe…water infrastructure….I am proud that this project will help protect…Westport families….I will continue fighting …to bring home more funding …so all New Yorkers have access…”
Town Supervisor Michael “Ike” Tyler remarked: “This project was essential for our community….we were able …in a way that was financially responsible….These upgrades will protect our residents,…environment,…lake we all depend on.”
Essex County Chairman Shaun Gillilland described it as “a showcase example of teamwork at all levels” addressing rural infrastructure challenges by modernizing older wastewater systems.
New York State continues its focus on water quality improvements with another round of EFC grants now open at www.efc.ny.gov . With an allocation of $500 million announced in this year’s budget , total state investment since 2017 now stands at $6 billion . An interactive dashboard tracks progress on these projects .
