BROCTON - State senator Catharine Young said it was unusual to use the words "sweet and sewage" at the same time, but the symbolic groundbreaking for the expansion and upgrade of Brocton's wastewater facility was sweet because it marked the end of a "long and arduous process."
The project will include the replacement of worn process equipment with a new UV (ultraviolet) disinfection system, additional aerobic digestion capacity, and an energy efficient pumping system.
Assemblyman Andrew Goodell explained to the media exactly why the process was so complicated. He said, "For this project, the Department of Corrections, the New York State Comptroller, and the Attorney General were involved. In addition, part of the funding was from the federal government."
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
Groundbreaking, Left to right: Village Board member Arthur Donovan; Thomas DeJoe, county legislator; Catharine Young, state senator; J. Dale Abram, mayor of Brocton; Andrew Goodell, assemblyman; Samuel Drayo Jr., attorney for the village; Glenn Cooley and Ben Slotman, from E & M Engineers; and Diana Speers, Municipal Solutions (financial advisor).
The Department of Corrections was restructuring its prison system, so it was questionable whether they could make the long-term commitment needed. However, Corrections became a partner in this venture.
Goodell was quick to credit the team effort of the local officials as well as the working relationship with Young for making the project a reality. In particular, he told the story of calling Brocton clerk Karen Ardillo concerning a question, and getting a return call from attorney Samuel Drayo, Jr.
"He was on vacation in Italy at the time, but called me back. That's the level of commitment shown to the project."
Mayor J. Dale Abram called the event, "An important day in the Village of Brocton. We worked many many years (on this project)."
After thanking staff in Brocton, the town attorney, the engineers from E & M, the staff of Municipal Solutions as well as Goodell and Young, Abram summed it up by saying, "It was a community effort to make this happen."
Work should begin soon, maybe even today.
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
