Oneida receives $1M towards water pump repairs

The city of Oneida will be the recipient of a federal grant to help pay for critical improvements to the Lake Street Pumping Station. The grant comes as part of a Congressionally Directed Spending package included in a recently passed appropriation bill.

On March 7, Congressman Brandon Williams, NY-22, announced that $20,569,857 was secured for projects, agencies, and initiatives through the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The district includes Madison, Oneida and Onondaga counties.

Williams requested these funds from the House Appropriations Committee, working with local stakeholders to determine what needs throughout the district could be met with congressional funding, across areas of transportation, education, commerce, public safety and more.

“The City wishes to thank Congressman Brandon Williams, along with Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their support of our project in the 2023 CDS submittal,” Mayor Rick Rossi said.

The total project cost for the improvements to the station is $1.9 million. Federal money will provide $1 million to Oneida for the Lake Street Pump Station Improvements project.

The package will also provide $1 million to Chittenango for the Drinking Water System Connection Project, $260,000 to Canastota for the Robert Street Sanitary Sewer Project, and $1 million to Hamilton for the NYS Route 12B Water Main Replacement Project.

According to Rossi, this grant will help control Oneida’s water rates. “Without it the city would have to recover the entire cost of the pumping station project through what it charges its customers,” he said.

The Lake Street pumping station is a major component of the city’s water supply system, helping to move water to all portions of the city, especially higher elevations.

The station was built in the 1970s to meet high water demands in summer and during emergencies but the system has aged over the years. Equipment in the station has deteriorated and much of it has become obsolete. Only one of the three pumps in the station is presently operable and there is no emergency power.

In addition to improving the reliability of the city water system, the improvements will incorporate modern energy-efficient controls and motors that will reduce the city’s carbon footprint and reduce the rating costs. The Lake Street pumping station project is part of the city’s continuing investment to maintain a safe and reliable water system for city residents.

“We are delivering results for the families, businesses, and communities of Central New York,” Williams said. “The funding we’ve fought for includes provisions for sewer and pump station improvements, checkpoint expansions at Syracuse’s airport, police equipment, and new classroom technology. My office will keep putting Central New York first, every single day.”

“The funding we’ve fought for includes provisions for sewer and pump station improvements, checkpoint expansions at Syracuse’s airport, police equipment, and new classroom technology. My office will keep putting Central New York first, every single day.” — Congressman Brandon Williams, NY-22