Bethel sewer extension project underway

By FRITZ MAYER

TOWN OF BETHEL, NY — It was shiny new shovels all around, as local, state and federal politicians gathered in the hayfield at the intersection of Route 17B and Happy Avenue on April 24 for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kauneonga Lake Sewer District extension project. The new 1.8-mile line and two new pumping stations will provide sewer service to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and should be completed within the next three to four months.

Along with Bethel Woods, the line will be available to businesses and some residents along the Route 17B corridor. Bethel supervisor Dan Sturm said one of the purposes of the extension is to promote commercial development along the corridor and help to preserve natural resources in other parts of the town.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey noted that the federal government has pledged over $2 million of the $3.8 million cost of the extension. He said, “The extension will allow Bethel Woods and other property owners to avoid using private septic systems. That is going to help protect this area’s groundwater, help protect the private wells here and provide for an increase in development over time.”

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said, “I can’t wait for the first flush.”