PRESS RELEASE 

The Newark Valley Village Board is pleased to announce the award of a Preliminary Planning Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture/Rural Development (USDA/RD) in the amount of $6,000.  The funds, which will be matched by the Village, will be used to complete the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process for proposed upgrades to the Village’s water distribution system.  Hunt Engineers from Horseheads, New York has been retained to assist the Board in completing the SEQR process.  In addition they have been contracted to evaluate the existing water system and make recommendations to bring the system in compliance with current New York State water regulations.   Once the final scope and cost of the recommended water improvements has been determined, the Village Board will again apply to USDA/RD for low interest loan and grant assistance to complete construction of the proposed project.

            The Village’s water distribution system was constructed in 1904 and upgraded in the 1970’s.  Because of the advanced age of the system, residents have at times had to deal with insufficient water flow, reduced water pressure and poor water quality.  Proposed improvements to the system include providing for a redundant source of water, reducing unaccounted water loss, reducing maintenance costs and improving water flow and pressure in various parts of the system.  These improvements will allow the Village to comply with New York State water system rules and regulations and will benefit all water users for many years.