The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from the New York State Economic Development Council to pursue construction on an anaerobic digester upgrade and grease receiving station, part of a $9 million project. The district, one of only a handful of grant recipients on Long Island, received the funding to create jobs and support its ongoing cost-effective green-energy initiatives.
“The district would like to thank New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and Senator Jack Martins for their tireless advocacy for the development of sustainable infrastructure in New York State,” said District Commissioner Deena Lesser. “In addition, the district would also like to thank Assemblyman Steve Englebright for his support. The grease receiving station will significantly improve the performance of our planned anaerobic digester upgrade and our existing microturbine facility. Investing in this innovative, clean technology demonstrates the dedication of everyone involved to pioneering a greener Long Island.”
Construction on the upgrade will create local construction jobs in Great Neck, promoting economic development. Engineering and design work has already begun, and upgrades are projected to be completed in 2018. When complete, these upgrades will create direct taxpayer savings and reduce the plant’s environmental impact.
“Once completed, the station will serve as a model for other districts interested in advancing renewable energy,” said District Commissioner Jerry Landsberg. “Thanks to the support of local, regional and state government in advancing sustainable, economic initiatives, the district will be able to provide local Long Island jobs.”
The GNWPCD is a special commissioner-run district within the Town of North Hempstead, which has provided sewage services for the Great Neck area since 1914 and currently serves more than 25,000 residents and businesses in the villages of Great Neck, Saddle Rock, Kensington and the parts of Thomaston and Great Neck Plaza east of Middle Neck Road, all unincorporated areas north of the LIRR and part of Manhasset. The GNWPCD’s mission is to protect the bay, the environment and the health of our society.
—Submitted by the GNWPCD
