Saratoga Springs, NY – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Town of Schodack, in Rensselaer County, was awarded $391,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for critical water infrastructure improvements in Schodack Landing.  The grant was awarded under the USDA Rural Development Program, and it will help fund critical sewer improvements to the Town sewer system to improve water quality and increase economic development opportunities in the community. 

“My office has worked closely with Supervisor Secor to secure this last bit of funding to complete this project, and I look forward to continuing to work with her and all of our communities to achieve these important infrastructure improvements,” said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee.  “Upkeep of water infrastructure is one of the most critical challenges facing our upstate communities, and the high price tag on these vital projects often times falls on communities already struggling with high property taxes.  These funds will help alleviate the financial strains on the residents of Schodack.”

"The Town of Schodack is grateful for Congresswoman Gillibrand's advocacy for our long-awaited sewer project in Schodack Landing,” said Town of Schodack Supervisor Beth Knauf Secor.  “The final funding piece from [USDA] Rural Development assures the successful completion of the wastewater treatment plant and collection system that has been threatened by dramatically increasing costs of fuel and commodities."

Congresswoman Gillibrand has organized and hosted three Water Infrastructure Funding Seminars in her Congressional District.  All municipalities were invited to these seminars to meet with Gillibrand’s district staff and representatives from state and federal agencies to learn about funding opportunities relating to water infrastructure projects.