MONTICELLO – A full overhaul of Monticello’s aging water systems will  begin thanks to a major funding package that supports treatment upgrades, tank replacement and infrastructure repairs systemwide. 

Dubbing the multi-agency funding a “big win for the Village,” Barton & Logudice Water Supply Engineer Roy Richardson revealed this update to the Village Board of Monticello on Wednesday night.

This comes as part of an ongoing project previously reported by the Democrat in August of 2024 where Richardson stopped by to advise the board that the Kiamesha Lake Plant couldn’t be “band-aided” after years of failed systems.

With Richardson confirming the village was awarded a $5 million grant, a $19 million award, and a $14 million 0% interest loan, all were part of a combined $38 million in secured project resources.

“Your team really stepped up and that $1 million award was great from the state,” Richardson pointed out, thanking the village for quickly getting back to last-minute funding requests that helped seal the deal.

The first phase of the treatment plant rehabilitation is currently out to bid, with responses being due January 8. The installation of completely new filtration equipment (Phase 2) is going out in the spring following the latest state funding program requirements. Overall, construction is planned to begin in 2026 and continue into 2027.

“Basically what you’re going to see is a lot of work happening fast in the village here,” stated Richardson.

Richardson turned a particular spotlight towards the Hospital Hill site, where years of leaking tanks led to many patchwork fixes and limited overnight supply. 

He stated that both tanks will come down and be replaced by a precast concrete tank and a new pump station.

He noted that not everything will be positive, as water rates will rise again following construction, projecting a rate of $1,000 from the current $730. Richardson acknowledged the significant impact, though he stressed the trade-off of long-term stability residents will get.

“It [water rates] is going to go up,” Richardson said, highlighting that the increase puts the village “right around the state average.” He also noted that this investment will deliver a “reliable system for the next many years.”

Trustee Theodore Hutchins recounted past year’s many broken pipes, with Water Department Superintendent Chuck Brodowsky confirming that total amounting to be 35.

Richardson stated that the overhaul will seal up the severe water loss that has been happening, with some occurrences reaching nearly half of all treated water.

“When you’re talking 50% … that’s bad,” noted Richardson. “You’re just spending a lot of money producing a lot of water that is not being used.”

Richardson promised a return next month to present and discuss bid results and contactor recommendations.