A public hearing scheduled for Monday marks the next step in plans to expand sewer and water services along the Route 7 corridor in the town of Cobleskill.
The new systems as proposed would stretch from the intersection of Borst Noble Road and Route 7 east to Howe Caverns.
Both projects are estimated to cost about $7.9 million — much of which is being provided by grants.
The project is getting $4.1 million from Empire State Development, $2 million dedicated by Schoharie County, $175,000 from National Grid and another $150,000 in support from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Howe Caverns has agreed to make annual payments of $100,000 for 20 years to be used towards debt service. Those payments will eliminate the pressure of debt service costs on district residents.
The tourist attraction is undergoing expansion that could lead to as many as 300 new jobs.
With a 25-year bond planned to pay for the work, the excess funds will be saved to pay off debt in the remaining five years.
Cobleskill town Supervisor Thomas Murray said the number of homeowners interested in hooking into the system will be an important factor in determining the cost of the project, as will estimates for the work that will be sought following public input.
Currently, about 100 customers are expected to be reached by the system, but residential homeowners won’t be required to hook up. Murray said those with well and septic systems that work fine won’t have to hook up.
According to engineering reports posted on the town’s website, the sewer system would cost the typical homeowner $562 per year, not counting the cost of hooking in.
Water service would cost approximately $493 per year for a one-family home, not including hookup costs.
Details of the project can be found on the town’s website at www.townofcobleskill.com.
The public hearing will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday in the Cobleskill firehouse at 610 Main St.
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