Chautauqua County officials on Wednesday announced plans to move forward with Phase 3 of the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District expansion. This marks the final stretch in a decades-long effort to establish public sewer service around the entirety of the lake. Phase 3 will extend public sewer infrastructure from Point Chautauqua to Midway State Park, effectively closing the remaining gap and completing the system connection around the lake’s south and northern basins. The project was made possible in large part by a nearly $17.8 million New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement grant, awarded through the Environmental Facilities Corporation on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul. The funding will significantly offset eligible project costs and ensure the continued protection of water quality in the Chautauqua Lake watershed.
County Executive P.J. Wendel called the announcement one of the most significant infrastructure advancements in recent county history. He said, “From day one, completing public sewer around Chautauqua Lake has been one of my top priorities. For years, we’ve talked about installing that ‘golden pipe’ to connect the system ends — and now, we’re on the verge of making it a reality. This investment protects our environment, supports our tourism economy, and ensures that future generations can enjoy the beauty and integrity of Chautauqua Lake. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and our state partners for recognizing the importance of this project and providing the critical funding to move it forward.”…