By Paul Post
Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin next month on a $10.1 million municipal wastewater treatment plant in North Creek that’s expected to spur considerable business investment.
Town of Johnsburg officials signed contracts March 7 with Jersen Construction Group of Waterford, William J. Keller & Sons Construction Group of Rensselaer and Stilsing Electric, Inc., of Rensselaer to build a facility on vacant land adjacent to Town Hall.
On Feb. 10, Warren County Board of Supervisors voted to award the town up to $250,000 per year in occupancy tax funding for 10 years, if needed, to help pay for the project.
However, no occupancy tax money has been paid. The hope is that the town will come up with alternative funding sources so it will not be needed. The occupancy tax is a guarantee so that all funding was in place, allowing the town to sign construction contracts and begin moving forward while additional funding applications are pending.
Johnsburg Supervisor Kevin Bean said $3.5 million worth of state grants have been applied for.
Several development projects, including hotels, are proposed in and around North Creek contingent on the treatment plant’s completion, which is expected this fall before the 2025-26 ski season gets under way.
Among other things, the plant will handle sewage from a major redevelopment of Gore Mountain’s North Creek Ski Bowl that’s scheduled to open this fall highlighted by a new lodge, chairlift and zipline. A hotel is planned there as well.
“This treatment plant project will allow us to preserve the water quality of the Hudson River, which is vitally important to our community, while serving as a catalyst for business expansion and economic development,” Bean said. “If we are ever going to see a resurgence in North Creek, this plant is going to help it happen.”
Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Gerraghty of Warrensburg said, “It’s been a long journey for the Town of Johnsburg to move forward with this important project, and the Warren County Board of Supervisors was gratified to be able to assist the town. This wastewater treatment plant will protect Warren County’s environment and lead to more economic activity and tourism in northern Warren County, which is a win-win for residents of all corners of our beautiful county.”