KENDALL, N.Y. – The Town of Kendall in Orleans County is moving forward with a major infrastructure milestone as construction officially begins on a $13 million wastewater collection and treatment project, funded through New York State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).

The project, announced by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton, marks a significant investment in replacing failing septic systems with a modern sewer system to protect Lake Ontario’s water quality and improve public health in the face of worsening flooding events.

“DEC is proud to partner with the town of Kendall to announce the State’s critical investment in wastewater infrastructure that will protect water quality and strengthen community resilience to flooding while making important projects like this more affordable for municipalities,” said Commissioner Lefton. “With the support of Governor Hochul and by working in partnership with local governments and agencies through the REDI initiative, New York State is advancing long-term solutions that address today’s challenges while preparing communities for the impacts of a changing climate.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by DEC Region 8 Director Tim Walsh, Town Supervisor Anthony Cammarata, and local officials who have been working for years to secure solutions for persistent infrastructure challenges.

“After years of devastating flooding and countless challenges, I am proud to say we’re finally seeing real progress on critical lakeshore projects,” said Supervisor Cammarata. “Thanks to the support of Governor Hochul, the REDI Commission, and our dedicated community, what once seemed impossible is now becoming a reality.”

Project Details and Regional Impact

The project includes the construction of a new low-pressure sewer collection system, spanning more than 11 miles of sanitary sewer lines, including individual grinder pump stations for connected homes. Wastewater from Kendall and parts of neighboring Hamlin will be transported to the Hamlin interceptor sewer and ultimately treated at the Monroe County Pure Waters Northwest Quadrant Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The initiative will connect more than 330 households that currently rely on private septic or leach field systems—many of which have historically failed during heavy flooding events—posing serious health and environmental risks to Lake Ontario communities.

Broad State Support for Resilience and Public Health

The Kendall wastewater project is one of more than 130 local and regional infrastructure efforts launched under the REDI program since its inception in 2019.

“This project is a powerful step toward protecting public health and preserving Lake Ontario,” said Maureen A. Coleman, President & CEO of the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). “EFC is proud to support Governor Hochul, our partner state agencies, and local governments by administering the REDI funding to protect public health, increase community resiliency, and foster economic development. This funding will help bring lasting change to Kendall — strengthening its critical wastewater infrastructure, safeguarding its future, and proving what’s possible when we invest in resilience.”

“Swimming, boating and fishing on Lake Ontario is crucial to local tourism and the quality of life in the region,” added State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons. “The work by the Town of Kendall to protect Lake Ontario’s water quality will help ensure the lake remains an accessible and enjoyable destination for residents and visitors.”

Orleans County Chairman Lynn Johnson echoed that sentiment: “The REDI program has been so important to communities along the lakeshore in helping us make infrastructure investments that will mitigate the impact of future flooding and protect our communities. No project better highlights this than the Kendall Wastewater Infrastructure Project, which will move residents from leach fields to a wastewater disposal system. Since leach fields often fail during significant flooding, we can now ensure that a future flooding event will no longer pose a risk to residents’ health nor contaminate Lake Ontario.”

A Broader Statewide Commitment to Clean Water

The Kendall project is just one component of New York’s extensive investment in water infrastructure and climate resilience. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has invested over $6 billion in clean water infrastructure since 2017, and the recently enacted 2025–2026 State Budget includes an additional $500 million for such projects.

In addition, the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is unlocking further grant funding for local governments to improve water quality, promote resilience, and create green jobs across the state.

Among the active REDI projects, seven are currently in construction, 18 in the design phase, and 109 have already been completed, representing a large-scale coordinated response to the increasing threat of flooding along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

For communities like Kendall, this project brings not just infrastructure improvements but peace of mind.

Originally reported by Aka in Video News Service.