Saugerties, NY - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Saugerties officials today held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new water and sewer system line on a 3.2 mile section of Kings Highway in the Town of Saugerties.  The new water and sewer line will provide service to approximately 25 businesses and 20 residences along the stretch of the roadway and attract new businesses to the area in order to help make the corridor a center for development in Ulster County.  Hinchey secured $2.5 million from Congress for the construction project. 

"Today we begin this long-awaited project that will create a water and sewer system along Kings Highway and in turn open up this corridor to new businesses and residences," Hinchey said. "This new sewer and water line will benefit Saugerties greatly by creating strong opportunities for economic growth while also improving the quality of life for residents.  Additionally, as we continue to establish New York as a solar energy research and development leader, we will be able to point to Kings Highway in Saugerties as an attractive place for businesses to locate themselves.  The future of Saugerties just got brighter thanks to the beginning of this much-needed construction project.  The federal funds I secured for this project will also have the benefit of saving local ratepayers a significant portion of the expense associated with this important initiative."

Hinchey obtained $2.1 million for the project as part of the fiscal year 2006 budget and an additional $393,760 in the fiscal year 2008 budget for a total of $2.5 million.  The federal funding covers nearly half of the project's overall cost and means that less money needs to be borrowed for the project and that debt payments owed by ratepayers are reduced.  The federal funds Hinchey secured is saving each household approximately $200 in their total annual charges (tax and usage) for the project. 

Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel said, "Shovel Ready is probably the most important component of Economic Development and because of Congressman Hinchey's assistance this three mile stretch of industrial zoned land along the Kings Highway Corridor will become Shovel Ready."

The new sewer and water line will provide service to existing businesses and residents who often experience failing wells and septic systems, while also providing service to companies seeking to relocate or start-up a business in the Hudson Valley.  Until now, potential new businesses have been told there is no water or sewer system available along this stretch in Saugerties.  Additionally, as trenches are dug along the roadway to accommodate utility construction, the town will be working to provide Internet and cable service to this stretch.

The town's plan is to install both water and sewer lines along Kings Highway from the intersection of Route 212 to the intersection of Glasco Turnpike.  Saugerties will now be able to bring potable water and important infrastructure needs to this section of town after literally decades of attempting to do so.  In addition, the town will also be able to provide better fire protection via hydrants for the Mt. Marion Fire Department, which covers this roadway.