State grants to fund local water quality projects

The state awarded nearly $14 million to local projects to improve and protect water quality throughout the state Department of Environmental Conservation Region 4, which includes projects in Delaware and Otsego counties.The grants, awarded through the Water Quality Improvement Project program, will support projects that help protect drinking water, update aging water infrastructure, reduce contributors to harmful algal blooms and improve aquatic and terrestrial habitat in communities statewide, according to a news release.The Otsego County Highway Department was awarded $450,000 to construct a salt storage structure. The existing salt storage structure is undersized and structurally deficient, leaving an exposed salt pile. The project will protect water quality and trout habitat in Butternut Creek.“Investments in water infrastructure are essential to safeguarding public health, while spurring economic development and community revitalization,” DEC Region 4 Director Sean Mahar said.

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