Sewer Ribbon Cutting Signals A Clear Path For The Future

KATONAH, NY — The grand opening of a modern sewer system for the Bedford Hills-Katonah Business Sewer district proves that work on the long-anticipated project wasn't money down the drain.

A ribbon cutting scheduled for Tuesday morning will celebrate the sanitary accomplishment in fine fashion. While the ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Katonah Wastewater Pump Station in Commuter Lot 2 won't exactly be a gala affair, there are plenty of reasons to mark the accomplishment.

Bedford officials say that the new infrastructure will offer significant environmental benefits. The project is also expected to enhance long-term economic development in the hamlet's retail district.

Perhaps most refreshing of all, the 18-month-long public works project to bring sewer service to roughly 125 commercial properties, went off without a hitch. During a televised update in October, Department of Public Works Commissioner Kevin Winn told Bedford Town Supervisor MaryAnn Carr that he credited much of that success to the contractors involved.

[The project] was on budget and on schedule," Winn said. "The work was great. They did quality work while minimizing impact."

Winn said that about 90 percent of the project was paid for by New York City. The city would have otherwise been obligated to provide sewage treatment for the properties to protect the city water supply from contamination in the long term.

Tuesday's ribbon cutting will complete Phase One of Bedford's sewer service plans. Phase Two will involve providing service for roughly 100 residential properties in Katonah. Winn said that project remains in the planning phase.