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Warren County designates planner as certifying officer for septic replacement CDBG; grant will aid a dozen households
Summary
The Warren County committee approved certifying the county planner to complete environmental review for a Community Development Block Grant for septic replacements. Staff estimated the award would fund about 12–14 systems, and county officials said the work will require additional funding and years of effort.
Warren County supervisors on Tuesday approved designating the county planner as the certifying officer for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) septic replacement program, enabling the county to complete required environmental-record paperwork and move the project forward.
The action, approved by voice vote after a motion from Supervisor Wilde and a second from Supervisor Stroud, authorizes county staff to carry out the administrative certification required by the CDBG program. The committee did not conduct a roll-call vote; the chairman called for “ayes,” and the motion carried.
County planner Ethan said the award will fund septic replacements and noted staff had received CDBG funds for that purpose. When asked by Supervisor Webb how many households the money could help, Ethan estimated the current award would cover between about 12 and 14 systems, varying by location and local site conditions such as shallow bedrock and topography. Ethan described that estimate as approximate.
Ethan said the county also requested $1.5 million from a DEC septic-replacement program and expects to pursue additional CDBG funds in future cycles. He warned that bringing countywide septic systems up to compliance will be a long-term effort, with many systems more than 30 years old and requiring significant work over years and potentially decades.
Committee members asked whether the CDBG award required a local match. Ethan said this particular CDBG allocation does not require a match because it targets low- and moderate-income households. The county also identified partner organizations such as Rebuilding Together Saratoga that can provide funds for specific populations, including seniors.
Ethan and other staff explained that some programs prioritize proximity to eligible waterways or other criteria: the DEC program emphasizes closeness to protected waterbodies, while the CDBG money is limited by household income. He noted that geographic variation — for example, Lake George area soils and bedrock versus Queensbury’s sandy soils — affects the type and cost of replacement systems.
Officials cautioned that septic-hauling capacity and treatment infrastructure constraints across the county will also affect how quickly systems can be replaced or serviced. County staff said they will continue seeking funding and coordinating with partners to expand the program.
Notes: The committee’s action was limited to certifying the planner to complete administrative environmental review and certification; it did not appropriate additional funds or approve specific homeowner projects.
