Watertown, N.Y., faces $61 million water system upgrade as funding gap threatens higher rates
(UI) — Watertown officials say a $61 million overhaul of the city’s water collection and filtration system could push up customer rates if outside funding falls short, according to WWNY.
The city draws drinking water from the Black River for about 60,000 people. While officials emphasize the supply is clean, the state Department of Health is requiring system upgrades to ensure long-term compliance.
So far, the city has secured roughly $20 million in grants but has been turned down for others. The top priority now is an intermunicipal grant of about $30 million that could cover 40% of the project cost. Watertown is also awaiting decisions on additional applications, including a $3 million Northern Border Resource Commission grant, as reported by WWNY.
City leaders are considering phasing construction if full funding does not come through, though that approach would add costs. Any shortfall, officials warned, would likely be covered by the city’s water fund, a move that would increase rates for customers.
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