The Town of Varick has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission to support the creation of a new sanitary sewer district along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake.
The funding is part of $45.4 million in awards announced through the commission’s Spring Round competition, which includes projects in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont through its Catalyst, Forest Economy, and Timber for Transit programs.
Varick’s project will establish Sanitary Sewer District No. 4, replacing aging septic systems that officials believe may be contributing pollutants to Cayuga Lake and creating ongoing inspection and maintenance costs for property owners.
The project calls for the installation of an all-pressure wastewater collection system consisting of 172 grinder pumps and nearly 22,000 feet of force main. Wastewater collected in the district will be conveyed through the Town of Fayette and treated at the Seneca Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant.
According to project documents, the new sewer system is expected to improve water quality in Cayuga Lake while supporting economic development in the region. Officials say the project will benefit tourism, local wineries, and businesses by providing modern wastewater infrastructure and creating opportunities for future expansion.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $8.98 million, with the Northern Border Regional Commission providing $1 million toward the effort.
The commission awarded a total of 56 grants through the latest funding round to support infrastructure, economic development, and community improvement projects across its four-state region.
