Legislation (A.9665/S.8851) sponsored by Sen. Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats), Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R,C-Manchester) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) to create the Seneca County Water and Sewer Authority was signed into law by Governor Hochul on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. This newly signed legislation will allow existing water and sewer districts to voluntarily join the Authority and have their operations consolidated under a central administration.

Currently, Seneca County residents who have access to public water and sewer services are being served by local districts operated by the villages and towns, which rely on limited resources with an often-shrinking tax base. To centralize the administration of water and sewer services, the Seneca County Board of Supervisors sought to establish this Authority.

The Authority will provide for more efficient running of the water and sewer utilities under a central entity whose sole duty is to administer the Authority. The Authority will also be able to apply for and administer grants more efficiently than separate districts. Rather than having multiple districts apply for the same competitive grant, consolidating into one application through the Authority will increase the likelihood of positive awards. This county-wide collaboration will provide the most efficient means of delivering results to ratepayers and allow for greater water and sewer expansion.

“I’m proud to have worked with the Seneca County Board of Supervisors to sponsor this piece of remarkable legislation. The Board has sought to deliver the best and most efficient government services to taxpayers. I look forward to the formal formation of the Authority and working together to carry out its mission of providing high-quality infrastructure to Seneca County residents,” said Gallahan.

“This legislation marks a pivotal moment for Seneca County, finally tackling challenges that have been delayed for decades. By establishing a unified Water and Sewer Authority, we’re not just improving efficiency—we’re creating a pathway for sustainable growth, reliable infrastructure and better opportunities to secure critical funding. This is a true testament to what collaboration and forward-thinking leadership can achieve for our communities,” stated Seneca County Board of Supervisors Chairman Michael Enslow.

 O'Mara said, “Together with Assemblymen Gallahan and Palmesano, I welcomed the opportunity to help secure the enactment of this legislation and to partner with our local leaders to move forward on the Seneca County Water and Sewer Authority. It's a credit to the leadership and hard work by the Seneca County Board of Supervisors to focus on the delivery of better and more effective and efficient services that will benefit residents, ratepayers and taxpayers alike across the county as well as strengthen the local economy and enhance economic development opportunities.”

Palmesano said, “I am pleased to have co-sponsored this legislation at the request of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors, which gives them the ability to provide a more efficient delivery of water and sewer services. This important legislation will positively impact the residents of Seneca County by having a consolidated process when applying for grants and funding to expand and improve the water and sewer infrastructure. I look forward to continuing to work with the Board of Supervisors and residents of Seneca County.”