Governor Hochul and Mayor Patterson-Howard Announce $6 Million to Fund Priority Sewer Projects and Long-Term Planning for the City of Mount Vernon

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard today announced the Mount Vernon City Council has approved $6 million in State-funded contracts that allow for critical work to move forward in addressing the City's decaying water and wastewater infrastructure. The contracts are the first approved under the State's historic $150 million investment to address the City's longstanding water and wastewater infrastructure issues and related public health challenges. This key milestone enables the start of priority sewer repairs and long-term planning for future wastewater projects, and connects City officials to technical, managerial and financial consultants to help guide this work.

"Today's announcement is about action for Mount Vernon. It's about making good on the promises we made in April when we announced the historic $150 million investment to start rebuilding the City's crumbling water and sewer systems," Governor Hochul said. "I envisioned moments like this - seeing the tangible results for the City and taking a big step towards ensuring that Mount Vernon residents, businesses and visitors have access to the reliable water and sewer infrastructure systems that they deserve."

Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said, "As Mayor of a historically marginalized community on the edge of one of the wealthiest counties in the country, I am excited that Governor Hochul has embraced both the theory and practical application of equitable environmental infrastructure and deviated from the color-blind health and environmental injustices of the past. For decades, inferior infrastructure and housing have negatively influenced learning outcomes and lifetime earning potential in communities of color and Mount Vernon is no different. This landmark investment from the State will allow the City to secure the expertise necessary to jumpstart capital projects alongside our Public Works staff to improve the long-term wealth and welfare of all Mount Vernon residents."

The contracts are funded by State grants through the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation in partnership with the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health. The contracts provide for the following activities:

• $5 million to plan, design, and construct priority wastewater projects identified in the city's Illicit Discharge Action Plan dated June 2022. The plan identifies all the discharges to the storm sewer system that are not specifically stormwater, such as leaking sanitary sewers.
• $500,000 for sewer cleaning services and closed-circuit TV inspection of sewer lines to support capital improvement project planning. Televising the lines will bring visibility to what's happening underground by identifying blockages and leaks or potential failures in the system.
• $500,000 for professional consultant services to provide training, technical, managerial, and financial assessments, funding application assistance, and on-site technical assistance.

Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, "EFC is proud to further Governor Hochul's commitment to Mayor Patterson-Howard and Mount Vernon residents by providing the funding and resources that the City needs to get shovels in the ground and undertake this critical work. Grants from EFC will directly support Mount Vernon's dedicated and hardworking Public Works staff for priority projects that address sewer overflows, and immediately make a difference for residents' public health and quality of life. I commend Governor Hochul, Mayor Patterson-Howard and our partners in state and local government for tackling this clean water issue head on and for their commitment to environmental justice."

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "This historic project is moving forward under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership to address the water infrastructure crisis that's plagued the people of Mount Vernon for far too long. With these projects underway, progress is advancing and we look forward to continuing to work with our City, state agency, and community partners to achieve life-changing results for Mount Vernon residents."

State Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett said, "Governor Hochul recognizes that improving the public's health includes making strategic investments to ensure a clean environment. These improvements to the City's sanitary sewer system will help protect the health of the residents of Mount Vernon."

Governor's Office of Storm Recovery Executive Director Katie Brennan said, "GOSR is proud to continue work on this historic partnership that will create resilient homes and communities throughout Mount Vernon. This is a vital step towards equitable and safe water infrastructure for residents."

Senator Chuck Schumer said, "For far too long too many Mount Vernon residents have had to live in fear of toxic sewage backing up into their homes, polluting their water, and putting the burden on the local taxpayer. I secured historic clean water funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to get projects like Mount Vernon's finally off the ground, and I applaud Governor Hochul for her strong commitment to ending this sewage crisis. I will keep fighting tooth and nail to ensure that Mount Vernon has all the federal support it needs to make sure the city has the sewer system they've long desired and deserve."

Representative Jamaal Bowman said, "Repairing and retrofitting the sewer system in Mount Vernon requires a whole of government response. I am glad to see additional funding for the city's deteriorating sewer system — these funds and other funds secured from the state and county are in addition to the $1.5 million I was able to secure in the FY22 Appropriations Process for the Mount Vernon Sewage Cleanup Project. Together, we can revitalize the sewer system and ensure neighbors in Mount Vernon have access to a clean and healthy sewage system."

State Senator Jamaal Bailey said, “Today’s milestone is an important step in the right direction to address long standing issues of water and wastewater infrastructure decay in Mount Vernon. This initiative will make an enormous difference in the lives of the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who call Mount Vernon home. I am grateful for the collaborative effort by partners at all levels of government to tackle a critical issue impacting not only quality of life but the safety, health, and environmental needs of our residents. I would like to thank Governor Hochul, Mayor Patterson-Howard, NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, and the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health for their leadership and dedication to the development and transformation of our city’s infrastructure system.”

Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow said, "The funding to be received for Emergency Sewer Projects for the City of Mt. Vernon is much needed and necessary to repair our disintegrating sewer system. The extensive damage to our sewer system has caused many homes in our community to suffer the consequences of wastewater entering their property and I am ecstatic to know that relief is on the way for our hard-working homeowners."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "At the end of the day, what the people of Mount Vernon need is progress on solving this long-standing, untenable situation. Thanks to Governor Hochul, that progress is well underway. One of government's most basic functions is providing a clean, sanitary living environment and this partnership with the State, City and County is making that happen. Our County DEF is working closely with Mount Vernon DPW on the engineering to expedite a vital part of this project."

Governor Hochul, Mayor Patterson-Howard and Westchester County Executive George Latimer in April announced the $150 million in water and sewer infrastructure investment in Mount Vernon. An additional $3 million in federal funding was allocated to assist Mount Vernon residents impacted by the sewer and water infrastructure crisis in the city through the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery's Healthy Homes pilot program announced in July. The initiative, administered by GOSR and targeted to the most frequently impacted and high-risk properties, will mitigate environmental hazards and make resiliency upgrades to private property. Participating homes may be eligible for repair to wastewater damage, installation of sewage backflow prevention measures, mitigation of lead infiltration to water within homes, and other needed environmental remediation. Interested residents can go to stormrecovery.ny.gov/mountvernon to learn more.