WADDINGTON, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of an $11 million wastewater treatment and collection system project in the Village of Waddington, St. Lawrence County, marking a significant milestone under New York’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).
The project replaces aging infrastructure vulnerable to flooding along the St. Lawrence River, protecting both public health and local economic potential. The improvements come amid increased pressure from climate change, with higher water levels and frequent flooding affecting shoreline communities throughout the region.
“New York State is committed to building stronger, more resilient shoreline communities along the St. Lawrence River and across the state,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Through the REDI program, we are delivering smart, forward-looking solutions that help communities thrive in the face of climate challenges. These investments not only safeguard public health and infrastructure, but they also support long-term sustainability and environmental resiliency.”
Project Features:
The upgrades include:
- Replacement of 100-year-old clay tile sewer mains with modern, flood-resistant materials
- Installation of new storm sewers and catch basins to handle runoff from roofs, sump pumps, and drains
- Rehabilitation of seven pump stations, with new meters, alarms, windows, doors, and pump controls
- Upgrades to the main pump station, including the installation of a permanent emergency generator
- Improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, including a full outfall pipe replacement and new disinfection systems
The Village of Waddington, which owns and operates the system, partnered with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) to complete the work. It’s part of a broader strategy to make communities more resilient while avoiding higher long-term costs to residents.
“The critical investment in Waddington’s wastewater infrastructure is a powerful example of how the State’s REDI Program strengthens community resilience while safeguarding water quality and public health,” said Amanda Lefton, DEC Commissioner and REDI Co-Chair. “This project ensures long-term environmental protection and supports sustainable growth in the North Country.”
The overhaul brings Waddington’s systems into compliance with modern environmental standards and reduces the risks posed by stormwater surges—a frequent challenge due to the village’s riverside location and lack of stormwater separation in older infrastructure.
“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities, the Village of Waddington now has modern wastewater infrastructure that’s built to withstand future flooding — and it came at minimal cost to local ratepayers,” said Maureen A. Coleman, President and CEO of the EFC. “By funding these critical upgrades through REDI, we’re not only safeguarding public health and the environment, but also ensuring long-term affordability while preparing for the challenges of extreme weather.”
“This $11 million investment in the wastewater treatment collection system and treatment plant in Waddington will protect public health and ensure residents in the region benefit from the replacement of aging water and sewer infrastructure,” said Justin E. Driscoll, New York Power Authority President and CEO, and REDI Commissioner.
Local leaders also emphasized the broader benefits of the upgrade.
“The completion of the $11 million REDI wastewater infrastructure project marks a significant investment in the future of Waddington and St. Lawrence County,” said David Forsythe, St. Lawrence County Chairman. “This project strengthens our environmental resilience, supports economic growth, and protects the health of our communities for generations to come.”
“This upgrade completes half of the needed improvements to sewer and stormwater treatment within the Village,” added Waddington Mayor Mike Zagrobelny. “While the project helps to mitigate effects of changing water levels in the St. Lawrence, it also upgrades century-old infrastructure and promotes retail and housing growth within the Village. As Mayor, I'm grateful for the many programs that the State of New York has provided Waddington that recognize the significance of our past and the bright promise of our future.”
REDI Program Background:
Established in 2019 in response to recurring flooding along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the REDI program commits $300 million to fortify at-risk infrastructure, support economic development, and improve long-term environmental resilience.
To date:
- 134 REDI projects have been launched
- 111 are complete
- 10 projects in St. Lawrence County have reached completion, including Waddington’s
This investment in critical wastewater infrastructure is part of New York’s broader mission to help shoreline communities weather the impacts of climate change and emerge stronger and more sustainable.
Originally reported by Governor's Press Office in Governor, New York, Govt.