Clarendon officials are presented with $642,000 check for water system improvements at a recent ceremony. Pictured (l-r) Clarendon Deputy Supervisor Allen Robinson, USDA Rural Development Director Patrick Brennan, Congressman Tom Reyolds, Clarendon Supervisor Richard Moy, Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt, Senator George Maziarz and Small Cities Deputy Director Al Jurczinski. Photo by Robbi Hess.

Clarendon receives $642,000 for water system

More than 100 residents in the town of Clarendon will reap the benefits of a $642,000 low interest loan from the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development when they gain access to public water.

"A lot of people worked very hard to make Water District 7 happen," Clarendon Supervisor Richard Moy said. "There was a big volunteer effort to gather all of the necessary information because that's how badly the people of this community needed this."

Congressman Tom Reynolds (26th District) commented on the need for the water district: "The current water supply in this particular area, which consist mainly of well water, has been deemed unreliable and potentially unhealthy for the local residents," he said. "I consider the funds this town is receiving today a true partnership effort between local, state and federal officials."

Senator George Maziarz said during a press conference on October 14 that access to clean, safe water wasn't a luxury item, it is a necessity. "Having access to quality water 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a basic quality of life issue," he said.

The funding will be used to place approximately 26,900 feet of new water main for the area and will benefit more than 100 residents. Moy said he hopes construction on the project will begin in the spring.