RENSSELAER COUNTY AND TOWN OF SCHODACK TEAMING UP ON MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT ALONG US ROUTE 9, COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE MCLAUGHLIN AND SUPERVISOR CHARLES PETER ANNOUNCE
Rensselaer County and Town of Schodack officials joined with government partners today to announce the start of a major infrastructure improvement project that will help protect quality of life and create new opportunities for growth in southern Rensselaer County.
The project includes extension of water infrastructure along nearly the entirety of US Route 9 in Schodack, an area that has already seen major development with an Amazon fulfillment center and a second Amazon project nearby.
County Executive Steve McLaughlin and Town Supervisor Charles Peter were joined by members of the County Legislature, state representatives, and representatives of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, at a groundbreaking for the project.
“This is an historic project for Rensselaer County and Schodack and will allow for unprecedented new opportunities for investment and improvements to quality of life,” said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
“Like other town, Schodack needs to grow our tax base. Infrastructure has been a major issue in attracting development, and this project will give the town new opportunities for growth and investment that have never existed,” said Supervisor Charles Peter.
The project will see Rensselaer County allocate just over $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for extension of water infrastructure. A future allotment of funds by the town, of approximately $300,000, is expected in the future.
The project calls for extension of water lines from the Amazon fulfillment center the length of US Route 9 to the Columbia County border, a distance of approximately five miles.
“We see this as a game-changer for this area of Rensselaer County and Schodack. Growth and investment in our county are major reasons why we have been able to reduce property taxes by 37 percent and further investment will help in that mission,” said McLaughlin.
“Infrastructure will give Rensselaer County and Schodack the opportunity to attract other job-creating projects, along with creating an avenue for residents to eventually access water and sewer service that will protect health and property values,” said Peter.
“This is one of the most significant infrastructure expansions in the history of Schodack. My thanks to County Executive Steve McLaughlin for identifying and prioritizing investment in this commercial corridor. His support, along with that of the Rensselaer County Legislature, will ensure this critical infrastructure investments will drive development and job growth for decades to come,” added Peter.
“This project will pave the way for more investment in an important corridor in our community and it will improve the quality of life of residents by providing municipal water service to their homes,” said Vice Chair of the Legislature Bob Loveridge.
“We have seen positive growth in North and East Greenbush because we have the infrastructure in place. This project will open the door to new investments and improvements in Schodack,” said Chair of the Legislature Kelly Hoffman.
The extension of water lines are one phase of the infrastructure work in Schodack. An additional project to extend sewer lines along the same section of US Route 9 is also planned, utilizing over $4 million in ARPA funds. Work is now underway on extending sewer lines along much of Maple Hill Road to US 9, with much of the funds coming from a state grant.
McLaughlin noted the county has been working with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to secure funds for other infrastructure projects in the area.