OLEAN — Mayor Bill Aiello shared what he called “very good news” at last Tuesday’s Common Council meeting — a $500,000 state grant for engineering to address sewage overflows into the Allegheny River.
“The City, with the support of New York State, is taking a significant step toward resolving longstanding inflow and infiltration issues in wastewater management,” the mayor said.
New York State announced an allocation of $500,000 to assist Olean in funding engineering plans and related reports, an essential step toward securing additional grant funding for infrastructure improvements.
“These funds will be managed directly by New York State rather than being transferred to the City, ensuring a streamlined procurement process that allows for quicker action and efficient resource allocation,” Aiello said. “By easing administrative constraints, this approach will accelerate necessary studies and planning efforts — bringing the project closer to construction and ultimately improving the city’s wastewater management systems.”
The mayor said, “This funding is a game-changer for Olean and our neighboring communities. By addressing inflow and infiltration challenges in our wastewater system, we are setting the stage for critical improvements that will benefit residents and local businesses for years to come,” he added.
“This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the City of Olean as it moves forward in securing additional financial resources for future infrastructure development. Residents can expect progress to continue as engineering efforts provide the necessary groundwork for lasting improvements,” Mayor Aiello added.
“I am very appreciative of the efforts made by Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and the Seneca Nation in helping the City obtain this aid,” Mayor Aiello said.
“I would also like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, our local New York State representatives, Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the City’s Water and Sewer Superintendent Brad Camp for their role in securing this funding for Olean,” Aiello added.
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