Major Project is Modernizing Decades-Old Wastewater Treatment Plant that Serves 8,000 Users in the Region 

State Investments Continue Advancing New York’s Clean Water Goals

Tour Photos Available Here

Yesterday, New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman toured the Village of Sylvan Beach’s $51 million construction project to modernize the East Oneida Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Village is making significant progress on comprehensive upgrades to its 1970s-era facilities, protecting residents and the environment. More than half of the project is funded by grants from EFC to help minimize the financial impact on local ratepayers, with investments also delivering good-paying jobs to the region through the construction phase. 

“This is a vital investment in clean water and in the affordability of local water infrastructure,” EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said. “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.”

Sylvan Beach Mayor Richard Sullivan said, “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 — and thanks to strong partnerships and careful planning, we’re delivering it on time and within budget.” 

Construction started in May 2024. The project involves upgrading an outdated wastewater treatment system to a more effective process that meets current standards. This includes building new treatment tanks and equipment, improving how wastewater is handled, and making site-wide repairs and upgrades — like fixing buildings, roads, electrical systems, and backup power — to keep the facility running reliably and efficiently.

The project is being undertaken primarily by the Village, but its impact spreads far beyond Village borders. The plant also serves the Towns of Sullivan, Lenox, Verona, and Vienna, as well as Verona Beach State Park. Modernizing the plant and its treatment facilities will ensure reliable wastewater services for 8,000 area residents and businesses and improve water quality in Fish Creek and Oneida Lake, all while creating good-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, engineering, and other related industries. Substantial completion of the project is expected in fall 2026.

The funding package for Sylvan Beach — approved by EFC’s Board and announced by Governor Hochul in April — includes a combination of State, federal and local funds to affordably upgrade the facility. 

Funding from EFC includes:

• $19.66 million State Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant
• $31.44 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, including:
  • $7.29 million grant
  • $22.94 million interest-free financing
  • $1.21 million market-rate financing

The State Revolving Funds are New York’s primary financial vehicle for advancing its clean water goals, delivering billions annually to communities statewide. Combined with targeted State grants, the State Revolving Funds are part of New York’s broader strategy to maximize the impact of State and federal infrastructure dollars, ensuring every region benefits from cleaner water, safer systems, and long-term sustainability.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investment in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. The next round of EFC’s Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grants opens on June 20. Governor Hochul has announced $325 million for the next round.

With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure since 2017. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC’s investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.