On June 5, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the start of construction of a nearly $13 million wastewater collection and treatment facilities improvement project awarded to the town of Kendall through the State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI). The completed project will help prevent damage from future high-water events by preventing sewage and other contaminants from affecting Lake Ontario water quality.
“DEC is proud to partner with the town of Kendall to announce the State’s critical investment in wastewater infrastructure that will protect water quality and strengthen community resilience to flooding while making important projects like this more affordable for municipalities,” Commissioner Lefton said. “With the support of Governor Hochul and by working in partnership with local governments and agencies through the REDI initiative, New York State is advancing long-term solutions that address today’s challenges while preparing communities for the impacts of a changing climate.”
Kendall Town Supervisor Anthony Cammarata said, “After years of devastating flooding and countless challenges, I am proud to say we’re finally seeing real progress on critical lakeshore projects. Thanks to the support of Governor Hochul, the REDI Commission, and our dedicated community, what once seemed impossible is now becoming a reality.”
Residents along the town of Kendall lakeshore depend on private septic or leach field systems to handle wastewater. During periods of flooding, these systems can fail, increasing the risk of contamination and threatening the health of Lake Ontario and the community. To better protect residents and the environment, the project will connect more than 330 residents to public wastewater infrastructure and facilities. The funding provided through REDI for this and dozens of other projects across the region helps reduce costs of improvements for municipalities and local taxpayers.
The flood resiliency project being implemented by the town under DEC oversight includes construction of a new low-pressure sewer collection system to carry wastewater from the connected properties in the town of Kendall and the neighboring town of Hamlin. The system will include more than 11 miles of sanitary sewer lines and associated components, including individual grinder pump stations.
Wastewater will travel to the Hamlin interceptor sewer before being ultimately treated and disposed at Monroe County Pure Waters Northwest Quadrant Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This upgrade will help protect water quality, reduce pollution risks, safeguard public health, and strengthen community resilience against flooding.
State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, “Swimming, boating and fishing on Lake Ontario is crucial to local tourism and the quality of life in the region. The work by the Town of Kendall to protect the Lake Ontario’s water quality will help ensure the lake remains an accessible and enjoyable destination for residents and visitors.”
In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, New York State established REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Additional information, project profiles and REDI news are available at https://tinyurl.com/2txv95y6.
Provided information and photos
