Governor Hochul announces completion of $51 million wastewater treatment plant modernization project in Sylvan Beach

Albany, New York – New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of a $51 million project to modernize the East Oneida Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Village of Sylvan Beach, marking a major investment in water infrastructure serving several communities near Oneida Lake.

The project involved extensive improvements to a wastewater treatment facility originally built in the 1970s. The upgrades are intended to strengthen wastewater services, improve water quality, and help protect the environment surrounding Oneida Lake, one of the largest natural lakes located entirely within New York State.

The modernized facility will serve approximately 8,000 residents across five communities. Its benefits are also expected to extend to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who travel to Verona Beach State Park each year.

State officials said the improvements will support public health while helping preserve recreational opportunities, tourism, and the natural ecosystems connected to Oneida Lake and Fish Creek.

A significant part of the project involved securing financial assistance to prevent the cost of construction from placing excessive pressure on local residents.

New York State provided nearly $28 million in grants and more than $23 million in low-cost financing to support the work.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, known as EFC, contributed $27 million in grants through the Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure program and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

The Department of Environmental Conservation provided an additional $833,330 through its Water Quality Improvement Project program.

EFC also arranged more than $23 million in low-cost financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to cover the remaining construction expenses.

According to state officials, the combination of grants and affordable financing is projected to save the Village of Sylvan Beach more than $75 million in debt service costs compared with traditional borrowing.

Those projected savings represent one of the project’s most significant financial benefits, particularly for a smaller community responsible for maintaining essential public infrastructure.

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“New York is delivering historic funding to modernize critical water systems and protect the health of our communities and our environment,” Governor Hochul said. “The completion of this project is a significant investment in Sylvan Beach’s future and critical to protecting Oneida Lake. My administration will continue working with our partners to make strategic investments in clean water infrastructure and ensure New Yorkers have the safe, healthy environment they deserve.”

The improvements address aging wastewater infrastructure that has served the region for decades.

By modernizing the treatment plant, officials aim to provide more dependable wastewater services while reducing risks to nearby waterways and surrounding natural habitats.

Oneida Lake is an important environmental and recreational resource for Central New York. Its shoreline and nearby communities support tourism, outdoor activities, and businesses connected to the lake.

The project is also expected to benefit Fish Creek, another waterway identified by state environmental officials as a priority for water quality protection.

New York State DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized the importance of the investment for both local communities and the environment.

“Improving the water quality in Fish Creek and Oneida Lake will deliver real results to residents, visitors, and the surrounding natural ecosystems. The $51 million investment, including funds from DEC’s successful Water Quality Improvement Project Program, emphasizes Governor Hochul’s commitment to clean water, protecting communities and ensuring our shared environment is safeguarded for many years to come.”

The plant’s modernization is intended to help maintain these environmental benefits over the long term while supporting the wastewater treatment needs of surrounding communities.

EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman described the completed project as an example of how state assistance can make major infrastructure improvements financially manageable for municipalities.

“This is a vital investment in clean water and in the affordability of local water infrastructure. This project symbolizes Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to delivering funding that ensures important projects move forward without placing an unsustainable financial burden on the communities they serve.”

Federal support also played a role in advancing the project.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer said he helped secure $23 million in federal funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which received additional support through the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law.

“Upgrading the East Oneida Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant makes Sylvan Beach cleaner and creates jobs. Building modern sewer systems is fundamental to public health, improving water quality, and promoting economic growth. I was proud to deliver $23 million in federal funding from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which I boosted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, to get this project over the finish line. I will always fight to keep the Mohawk Valley’s drinking water clean, sewer infrastructure strong and our communities safe and healthy.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also welcomed the completion, describing wastewater infrastructure modernization as an important part of protecting communities in Upstate New York.

She specifically pointed to the importance of clean water around Fish Creek and Oneida Lake.

Sylvan Beach Mayor Richard Sullivan said the project demonstrates the Village’s commitment to strengthening essential services while protecting its natural surroundings.

“This project reflects the Village’s deep commitment to protecting our residents, our environment and our future. We set out to build a stronger, modern wastewater system. Thanks to strong partnerships, careful planning, and significant grants from EFC and DEC, we’re delivering it on time and within budget.”

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente also praised the improvements, highlighting their importance for local residents, businesses, and the region’s tourism industry.

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Picente said modernizing the facility strengthens a service that communities rely on while supporting the long-term health of Oneida Lake.

He also expressed appreciation for the state’s financial support and its recognition of the lake’s importance to the surrounding region.

The Sylvan Beach project is part of New York’s broader effort to improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across the state.

Governor Hochul’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes a proposed $3.75 billion water infrastructure investment plan, building on approximately $10.6 billion committed to clean water projects since 2021.

The state is also making additional funding available for communities seeking improvements to their water systems.

EFC is currently accepting applications for $45 million in Green Resiliency Grants, a program intended to support eligible environmental infrastructure projects.

Municipalities interested in securing financial assistance can also work with EFC’s Community Assistance Teams, which provide individual consultations and guidance on preparing funding applications.

Residents can follow projects supported by EFC through the agency’s online project impact dashboard.

With construction now complete, the East Oneida Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant represents a major upgrade to infrastructure that has served the Sylvan Beach area for more than five decades.

State and local officials expect the improvements to provide reliable wastewater treatment, protect nearby waterways, and support the communities and visitors who depend on Oneida Lake for years to come.