Money sought for Maylender project
Reservoir work could get stimulus fundsBy MICHAEL ANICH, The Leader-Herald
JOHNSTOWN - The city Water Board heard Monday that federal officials want to know the status of the Maylender Reservoir's covered-tank project, but the board has some questions for the federal government.
Those questions include whether the federal government is going to help fund the $3.5 million project, which was supposed to be finished by the end of this year, but was delayed until 2010.
City Engineer Chad Kortz told the Water Board Monday night at the Water Department building that the agency received a letter from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inquiring about the Maylender Reservoir project.
"The bottom line is they're just looking for an update," Kortz said of the EPA.
The state Department of Health in February 2007 first informed the board the reservoir off Maple Avenue must be covered by the end of 2009. The directive came after a Dec. 19, 2006, inspection by DOH officials. Kortz informed DOH the city Water Department needs more time to finish the project.
Kortz said he informed the EPA it would be desirable to obtain federal funding for the project.
City officials said in August they were frustrated by lack of word on possible federal stimulus funds for the covered-tank project.
The Water Department has applied to New York State Environmental Facilities Corp. for $3.5 million.
Local officials also are seeking federal stimulus money for the project. The $787 billion federal stimulus package includes $6 billion for water projects nationwide. The Water Department hasn't secured any of that funding yet, but the agency has been told by state Sen. Hugh T. Farley, R-Niskayuna, the project will receive $350,000 in state funding.
U.S. Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-Amsterdam, said during the summer he's aware of the Maylender project, but the federal government is still working on how best to distribute stimulus money.
Kortz told the board there has been talk of bonding for the project. He said Mayor Sarah Slingerland provided him with the latest information from Tonko. He said the congressman may be able to help secure stimulus money for the project.
Board Chairman Leon Peck said the board has contacted Tonko, U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, as well as former U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, to seek federal funding for Maylender.
"We have reached out to all our elected officials on the federal level," Peck said.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com
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12-22-09 11:01 AM
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Why cover Maylender's Reservoir? Two reasons - first it is a reservoir of treated water. It has already been through the filtration and chlorination process; second - The NYS Health Department requires it. And, for your information UpstateEagle, the reason that Johnstown is is such good shape is that it's public officials look out for the money thet their residents have to spend. Since the Obama Administration appropriated $$ to cover water related infrastructure projects, it would be negligent for us to not seek those funds to mitigate the affect on our citizens. Perhaps other community's should try this instead of browbeating and blackmail!
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Discobulous
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12-21-09 9:47 PM
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I wonder how many millions of pounds of lime jello it would take to turn it green.
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Preacher
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12-21-09 3:31 PM
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Doesn't the City have 2 other reserviors? Are they not uncovered? Isn't the water sent through a filtration plant? I don't know of any NYC drinking water reservior that is covered. Tonko says still waiting to see the best way to spend stimulus money....HA! Too late! The Federal govt can't get out of its own way.
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Joseph
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12-21-09 2:34 PM
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What are you waiting for, this was discussed in 2006. Way to protect the drinking water for your city Mayor!!!
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IKnooow
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12-21-09 1:31 PM
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You can see on Google maps that it is uncovered. Wouldn't take much for the feds or anyone to figure it out.
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Discobulous
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12-20-09 11:33 PM
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Right, and everybody who ever drank out of an uncovered reservoir died a horrible death....not. Just tell the feds we covered it and maybe they'll believe it and go away.
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Dirtracefan
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12-20-09 9:18 AM
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The covering of Maylender Reservoir is a vital project that by law needs to be completed. The reservoir is a 3,000,000 gallon cement reservoir that contains potable drinking water for the North end of the City of Johnstown, and also is used for fire protection. The reason it needs to be taking out of service and a new covered tank put in its place is the possibility of contamination, and by law all uncovered reservoirs and tanks have to be covered or taking out of service. The water board knows this and is trying to secure funding so the residents don't have to worry about their water bills going up, once completed the residents will have state of the art Drinking water, which is vital for any community.
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Scarecrow57
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12-20-09 7:58 AM
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Better question is why do you need to cover a reservoir? That is just plain stupid. Should we cover all the lakes and streams too?
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UpstateEagle
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12-20-09 7:46 AM
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Johnstown is in such good shape they should be able to just cut a check. They will have to pay out of pocket and then if there are any grants they can use that to pay back any loans, etc. Local municipalities always wait for the "free" money instead of just biting the bullet.
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