Bethel, NY - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the extension of the Town of Bethel's sewer infrastructure along the Route 17B corridor from Route 55W to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.  Hinchey used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to secure $1.2 million in federal funds for the project, which will replace a temporary sewer system currently serving only the arts center.  The new two-mile sewer line and pump stations will make sewer service available to at least 100 commercial and residential property owners and help to support future economic development in the region.

"This significant federal investment in the Town of Bethel's sewer line extension project demonstrates the importance of this project," Hinchey said. "This new infrastructure will provide a strong foundation for future economic growth in the Town of Bethel while sparing local taxpayers the burden of its cost. Additionally, this extension and upgrade to the Town's existing wastewater system will allow Bethel Woods and other property owners to avoid using private septic systems.  This helps to protect the town's groundwater, particularly as development increases over time.  I am grateful for the leadership of the Town of Bethel and the Gerry Foundation on this important initiative, and I know that when this project will make a very significant and positive difference in the Route 17B corridor when it is completed."

The sewer extension project took many years to come to fruition and was made possible by a strong partnership between Hinchey and other federal representatives, the Town of Bethel, and the Gerry Foundation.  The entire sewer line extension is expected to cost $3.6 million.  The project, which is expected to be completed in three to four months, includes upgrading the sewage treatment plant at Kauneonga Lake, improving current pump stations, and constructing two new pump stations.
 
Hinchey used his position to secure a total of $1.2 million for the project, including $200,000 in Fiscal Year 2004, which allowed the planning and design of this project to begin.  The congressman secured an additional $1 million in Fiscal Year 2008 for construction.  An additional $1 million in federal funds were secured for the project as well.

The sewer line extension will allow for residential and commercial property owners along Route 17B to take advantage of the new infrastructure and connect to the town's sewer system.  The availability of sewer service along Route 17B is likely to increase commercial development opportunities, which will further multiply the significant economic benefits provided by Bethel Woods.          

The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is located on the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival.  The venue has a 4,800 covered seat pavilion and lawn seating that can accommodate up to 12,000 people with unobstructed sightlines.  The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is generating hundreds of operational jobs in Sullivan County and throughout the region while hosting cultural, educational, and musical events.