Warren County is now accepting applications for the septic replacement program. Please use this link for a PDF copy of the application.
Program Overview
Warren County has been identified by New York State as being in a priority geographic area where there is a critical need to reduce the impact of sewage effluent from cesspools and septic systems on groundwater and surface water. Properties located in the priority funding area may be eligible to receive septic system repair or replacement funding. The designation is based on the locations’ vulnerability to contamination, known water quality problems and other criteria set by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). It should be noted that all septic system replacement and/or upgrades must be approved by the Warren County Planning Department and must be designed by a licensed engineer and receive all required local permits.
The Program can provide up to 50% of the eligible costs of eligible septic system projects, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 per project. Applicants will be asked to provide a letter from a qualified engineer stating that the septic system is failing or deficient. Applicants may submit the engineers letter as an addendum to their application.
To apply for a grant, please complete the attached grant application and submit it to the County.
The application must contain sufficient information about the condition of your septic system and the scope and cost of the proposed repair or replacement, to enable the County to determine whether your project qualifies for a grant and assess how much you’re eligible for. Please read the application carefully and be sure to provide all the requested information. Failing to do so could result in a delay or denial of funding from this program.
In some cases, it will be to your benefit to hire a licensed engineer or design professional prior to submitting your application. Design costs are eligible for reimbursement at 50% (or $3,000 maximum of the total project reimbursement maximum of $10,000).
Applications will be evaluated in the order that they are received. The application period begins on July 6th and will remain open until all funds have been allocated. Costs incurred before April, 2 2021 are not eligible for reimbursement under the terms of this grant program.
If your project is selected for a grant, the County will notify you of your award and how much you can expect to be reimbursed for your project. The reimbursement amount will be based on the information that is submitted with your application. The more information about the type of system and hard costs the better. The County will also notify you if your project does not qualify for a grant.
If you receive an award letter, you must confirm acceptance of the award and the terms and conditions by signing and returning the letter to the County. Once you sign and return the award letter, you may hire an engineer or design professional (if you have not) and a contractor for your septic system project.
The County encourages you to apply to this Program. This is a unique opportunity for cooperation between the state, local government, and property owners, to address a pressing environmental and public health issue in our community, and we hope you will take advantage of it.
Eligible Properties
Please see this map noting priority properties in close proximity to Lake George. These are the only properties eligible through this round of program funding.
Please see this link to additional program guidance: https://www.efc.ny.gov/SepticReplacement
Additional Resources
There are additional programs available to homeowners that can help defray the costs of septic improvements or help secure low interest financing. Please visit the Safe Septic Systems website https://safesepticsystems.org/ for information on low/no interest loans to upgrade septic systems on Lake George. Visit the USDA Rural Development program website for information about their grant and loan program for repairing single family homes (including septic systems) https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants . This program is not limited to residents around Lake George and is available to residents throughout Warren County.