Westport, N.Y., completes $3.1 million wastewater upgrade to protect Lake Champlain
(UI) — A $3.1 million wastewater infrastructure project in Westport, Essex County, is now complete, aimed at protecting Lake Champlain and supporting the local tourism economy, according to an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The work focused on rehabilitating Sewer District No. 1, where aging pipes and manholes had allowed stormwater and groundwater to infiltrate the wastewater system. This excess flow strained the town’s treatment plant and threatened water quality in Lake Champlain.
By lining and replacing deteriorated sewers and manholes, Westport has significantly reduced inflow and infiltration, improving reliability and ensuring the system complies with state environmental standards. Officials say the upgrades will enhance resilience during heavy rainfall and safeguard the lake, a vital resource for residents and tourism.
Funding came from multiple state programs, including a $1.9 million Water Quality Improvement Project grant, a $309,000 Water Infrastructure Improvement grant, and $928,000 in interest-free financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Local ratepayers are expected to save more than $1.3 million in debt service compared to traditional financing, state officials said.
“This investment in Westport is a win for families, local businesses, and the millions who visit Lake Champlain each year,” Hochul said in the announcement. “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 and North Country.”
The project is part of New York’s broader $6 billion clean water infrastructure strategy, which has funded 76 projects in the Adirondacks over the past decade.
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