New funding for septic improvements on Lake George
State grants can help replace aging systems
Property owners on or near Lake George can benefit from Warren County’s recent inclusion in a program that provides funding to replace or upgrade aging septic systems to protect water quality.
Warren County was notified this spring that it is now part of the New York State Septic System Replacement Program, with Lake George the local waterbody that is targeted for protection. $340,000 in state funding has been set aside for Lake George.
Property owners will be eligible for grants for up to 50% project funding, up to $10,000 per project, to use toward replacement of septic systems or cesspools or upgrading of system components.
Warren County Planning & Community Development, which is overseeing the program, will be contacting eligible residents by mail in the coming weeks to advise them of their options.
Factors to determine who will be awarded grants will include:
• The property’s location in relation to a waterbody
• Impacts to groundwater used as drinking water
• The condition of the septic system
Projects dating back to April 2, 2021, when Warren County’s program inclusion began, may be eligible. Information needed to apply can be found online here.
Said Claudia Braymer, the Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervisor who chaired the Warren County Board of Supervisors Real Property & Environmental Concerns Committee when the county applied for inclusion in the program: "Through the award of grant funding, the state has recognized the importance of Lake George and its water quality. I'm excited that Warren County will be able to help our residents do their part to protect Lake George by providing reimbursement funds for the cost of replacing their aging septic systems along the lake."
Said Rachel Seeber, Chairwoman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors: “We are gratified that New York State has seen fit to include our beautiful and renowned lake into a program that will allow its stewards to better protect it. This will directly affect water quality in Lake George and that is a great investment in the future of the lake and Warren County.”
The program is a collaboration between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, New York Environmental Facilities Corporation, and participating counties who administer funding to qualifying homeowners.
Funding comes from $75 million put aside for the initiative through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017. Those who review the online information and have questions can call Warren County Planning & Community Development at 518-761-6553 or email gaddye@warrencountyny.gov.
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