BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The Town of Massena is officially receiving an $8 million grant from the state of New York after the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved funding for a number of water infrastructure projects.

The funds will be used for the planned South Raquette Water District.

"We received notices of funding several months ago with work by Barton & Loguidice. We are pleased to see it progress with so many steps in the process," Town Supervisor Sue Bellor said.

Barton and Loguidice, the firm assisting with the project, has helped secure multiple grants and loans for the project over the last two years.

Barton and Loguidice Senior Associate Matthew Cooper told town officials in Jan. 2024 that the engineering firm has been working on funding on multiple fronts.

Cooper said the firm and town were able to secure a $5 million grant from Environmental Facilities Corporation towards the project.

Town officials also received approval for a $4.27 million 30-year loan that will be interest free, Bellor previously said.

Other funding efforts have been successful as well, Cooper said during the Jan. 2024 meeting.

“You’ve been offered a $1.5 million additional grant from USDA Rural Development. We still have a pending $1.8 million grant. That is the State Tribal Assistance Grant through Elise Stefanik’s office. It appears you’re going to get that," Cooper told town board members during the Jan. 17, 2024 meeting.

The town was notified of that award in March 2024, receiving $1.8 million through the EPA STAG grant program.

That grant in turn replaced the $1.5 million grant previously received from the USDA. By doing so, the additional funding secured in the STAG grant would lower payments for users in the district by a little more than 30%, Cooper previously said.

The $9 million project will also incorporate the village, leading both the town and firm to coordinate efforts with village officials.

As part of the water district's formation, the village will supply water for a portion of the new water main, Cooper previously said.

"To get out to the district it has to be extended within the village limit. So we’ve had a conversation with them and we will have ongoing coordination with the village to do that,” Cooper said.

Once complete, the water district will be able to serve 161 equivalent dwelling units, officials said.

With the funds formally approved, officials said the project should now be fully funded through grants and low or no-interest loans.

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