The Village of Penn Yan is looking to apply for grants to complete several vital infrastructure projects, namely new water and/or sanitary sewer lines on Keuka, Sheppard and Seneca Streets.
This grant could be worth $2 million for the sewer projects and $1.75 million for the water projects on those streets.
But if the village is determined ineligible to receive this funding, ratepayers, or those who use the water and sewer services, could be footing the bill for at least 20 years and perhaps as long as 40 years for such infrastructure improvements.
Residents on the three streets have received a letter asking them to participate in a survey that could result in the village receiving funding for these major projects.
If enough residents complete the survey, the Village of Penn Yan could be eligible to receive money from a Small Cities grant.
“In order to be considered to receive funding, we need our residents to complete and mail in the surveys or we won’t even get past the first phase of the grant application process,” says Richard Osgood, the Village’s Director of Public Works, adding, “We cannot emphasize strongly enough that we need the participation of our residents if we’ll have any chance of receiving financial assistance to address some of the worst water and sewer lines in the village. This is why it’s imperative that residents complete the survey.”
Residents who received the survey who would like more information are encouraged to come to the Village Hall (111 Elm St.) Saturday, Feb. 6 at 8:30 am. Osgood will lead an informal discussion about the importance of securing funds for large-scale projects. Donuts and coffee will be available.
Other residents interested in learning more about the Village’s proposed infrastructure improvements are invited to attend as well.
Osgood adds, “The reality is that parts of our infrastructure are in dire need of repair or replacement and we simply cannot burden village ratepayers with such a huge expense.
Completing these important projects will improve the quality of life – not just for the residents on those three streets – but for everyone who lives and works in our community.”
If you have any questions about the survey or the projects the village hopes to have funded, please call Dick Osgood, Director of Public Works, at 536-3374.
