Costs climb in Potsdam water, sewer projects

POTSDAM, New York (WWNY) - Proposed water and sewer districts in the Town of Potsdam are getting more expensive, and town leaders may have tough decisions to make when it comes to what the town can afford.

It’s a frustrating moment for the town.

“You know, here we are - and I think I’ve said this before- here we are in 2023 and we still do not have municipal infrastructure down the route 56 corridor. That’s mind-boggling,” said Marty Miller, the town’s deputy supervisor and starting in January, the town supervisor.

Officials hope both projects can move forward to help spur economic development in the town.

But the cost of the sewer project has increased $3 million and will take an $8 million investment. When it comes to state regulations, it could be too much to pass on to users. As for the water project, that has increased by $2 million.

“We are very hopeful of the water project. All of the input that we’re getting is that the water project may fly and it might be good- it will be revoted on, because the prices are up. It’s the sewer project that’s in big trouble,” said Ann Carvill, the current town supervisor.

The town has invested more than $700,000 in engineering work on the two projects so far. If the projects don’t move forward, it’s likely residents who live along part of Route 56 would have to pay that bill, which works out to about $87 a year for the next 37 years.

The town board is waiting for bids to come in so it can see what the exact costs will be, and then a decision will need to be made about moving forward.

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