A proposed sewer extension project to help about 100 homes near Chautauqua Lake is receiving funding.

State Sen. George Borrello this week announced that $17,497,196 in state Environmental Facilities Corporation water infrastructure improvement grants have been awarded to seven communities across the 57th Senate District for municipal water system improvement projects.

“Providing clean water is a public health and safety issue that affects every aspect of a community – quality of life, commerce, education and fire safety,” Borrello said in a news release. “The cost of these projects are prohibitive and beyond the ability of local town and village taxpayers. This state funding will help these communities replace their water-distribution infrastructure, while reducing the burden on local taxpayers.”

Among the projects being funded is $803,250 for the town of Chautauqua sewer district No. 1 north extension.

In a phone interview with Chautauqua Town Supervisor Don Emhardt, he said the money will cover about one fourth of the cost of the north sewer extension at Chautauqua Lake Estates. He said this will “make the project doable.” The plan is now to put in sewer line and replace septic tanks that sit near Chautauqua Lake, which will not only help the home owners but also protect the lake.

“I’m overjoyed for this,” he said.

Along with the town of Chautauqua, the village of Brocton was awarded $605,280 in funds. Brocton Mayor Art Miller couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday on what the money is planned for.

Other communities in Borrello’s district that receive funds were as follows:

¯ village of Cuba, $3,000,000

¯ village of Franklinville $5,320,666

¯ town of Hume $816,000

¯ village of Portville $5,422,000

¯ town of Scio $1,530,000.

“Most of these communities have aged water systems that are 70 or 100-years old. Each year, residents are forced to endure water main breaks and outages that leaves them without water for days at a time in some cases. These breaks are not just a nuisance for residents, they also disable fire hydrants, endangering lives and property,” Borrello said. “These projects will have a lasting impact.