MILLERTON — Millerton now has the funding to build its long-planned $13.8 million wastewater system following the award of a $3.5 million federal grant announced Friday, Feb. 27.
The Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant solidifies the project’s financing plan and clears the way for the village board to authorize final design at its March 9 meeting. Officials anticipate bidding in 2027, with construction potentially completed by spring 2028. The project is a joint effort between the village and the town.
The project, which would serve the core of the Village of Millerton and a commercial stretch of the Town of North East along U.S. Route 44, represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in the community in decades. Officials say the system will safeguard local waterways while creating a foundation for long-term economic stability.
Village officials say the new funding will keep the project on track to authorize final design at the March 9 village board meeting, with bidding anticipated in 2027 and potential construction completion by spring 2028.
The preliminary engineering report from Tighe and Bond describes a wastewater treatment system that would collect liquid waste and return the treated water to the Webatuck Creek. Solid septic waste would still require tanks, but emptying those tanks will become the sewer district’s responsibility.
Projected costs
The $13.8 million project calls for the village to cover about 79% of capital costs, with the town responsible for roughly 21%.
Current projections from engineering firm Tighe and Bond estimate residential users would pay approximately $57.89 per month, including capital and operating costs. Commercial properties are projected to pay about $144.33 per month. Officials say the newly secured grant could reduce those figures slightly once the final financing details are confirmed.
Taxpayers outside of the service area will not be charged for project costs, according to village officials.
Who benefits?
Millerton trustee Matt Soleau, who has been working closely on the wastewater project and also operates a local full-service custom building firm, said both residents and businesses are constrained by outdated septic systems, particularly on smaller lots where upgrades cannot meet modern health standards.
The proposed wastewater district would serve the core of the village, including its business district, as well as the commercial section of the town along Route 44 extending from Cumberland Farms to the New York-Connecticut border. Properties within the proposed service area currently rely on individual septic systems, including tanks with leach fields, and outdated systems like seepage pits, cesspools and holding tanks.
Village officials said many properties are limited not by zoning alone, but by septic constraints.
“As a result, many homes cannot legally add bedrooms, create accessory dwelling units or convert existing structures,” Soleau said.
Under the proposed system, most properties would retain their existing septic tanks if they are code-compliant and in good working condition. If a tank does not meet current standards, a new one would be installed as part of the project.
Existing leach fields would be taken out of service and left in place, allowing property owners to reclaim that land for landscaping, driveways or ADUs.
For businesses, many commercial properties rely on old septic systems that are already maxed out, which makes it difficult or impossible to open water-heavy businesses like restaurants, cafes, salons or fitness studios. With the new wastewater system, village officials say a path will be open for those types of businesses moving forward.
Environmental impact
Officials also emphasize the environmental benefits of a new wastewater system. A modern, up-to-date system will protect the natural environment, including the Webatuck Creek that flows right through the village.
Discharge from the treatment plant into Webatuck Creek will be regulated under a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by New York State, which sets strict treatment, monitoring and reporting standards. The facility would be operated by a state-licensed wastewater professional, with required testing and monthly reports submitted to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and made publicly available.
In addition to state oversight, Soleau said, the village will maintain its own logistics to ensure the facility is performing as designed.
“Together, this regulatory framework, professional operation, and transparency in reporting provide multiple layers of accountability for protecting Webatuck Creek,” Soleau said.
Future impacts
Village officials say the construction phase will aim to limit disruption throughout the village and town, proceeding in targeted segments, with defined areas opened for installation, restored, and then closed before crews move on. The goal, Soleau said, is to allow normal activity to continue as much as possible throughout the process.
“Protecting the safety of our residents and visitors, preserving continuity of local businesses, maintaining access, and retaining residents’ quality of life throughout construction are non-negotiable priorities,” Soleau added.
The mayor’s office and village board will take an active oversight role as phasing and logistics plans are developed to ensure disruption is minimized and the project is executed in a manner consistent with the community’s expectations.
Officials praise federal support
Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek called the award a transformative step forward for the community, crediting U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan and the town leaders for their collaboration.
“This funding moves us significantly closer to a transformative investment in Millerton’s future,” Najdek said.
Town Supervisor Chris Kennan emphasized the importance of federal backing for rural communities like Millerton.
“I have long advocated for Federal funding for this project, as it is almost impossible to imagine it being successful without it,” Kennan said.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
