The County Executive’s office recently announced that a bid had been approved by the Sewer District to commence construction on a Phase II project which will complete sewers on the west side of Chautauqua Lake.

This project has been long in planning starting with then-County Executive Vince Horrigan, in 2013. Subsequently, County Legislator Pierre Chagnon, Sewer District officials, the current County Executive and other civic leaders have taken the reins to see the project through. Public infrastructure projects like this take a long time to complete. An idea which started over ten years ago is still being implemented today.

“Why so long?” you might ask. The quick answer is that public projects like this are long-term in nature, and also take time to get financed and approved. Think about expanding or creating a District, then submitting that for approval, then completing design/engineering documents including cost estimates and, finally, waiting for state and federal grant programs to be created in order for the project to actually become affordable for local residents.

Underlying all of this were questions like “where will the collected sewage go?” “How will it be transported?” “What size pumping and pipeline system will be required?” All of this takes time.

In general, the public supports such needed infrastructure. At the same time, the average person just wants to see it done and doesn’t think much about the details of it. In the case of sewage, people just want to be sure the toilet flushes. After that, it is somebody else’s problem.

As with other utilities, a sewer system also needs to be planned for the peak day…not just the average day. The population around the lake likely triples during the summer months when people are vacationing here. A sewer system has to be designed so that it will work in July when the lake is at its busiest. Yet, it must also work on its slowest day, which could be in the middle of January.

On slow days In the winter, you don’t want pipes or systems freezing or sewage becoming stagnant because of slow flow rates. In short, it takes good planning, engineering and, in the end, sufficient money…to get it all done.

Fortunately, on the money end, the Sewer District was diligent in seeking enough federal and state grant assistance so that Phase II, as bid, is expected to meet financial projections. It is about a $17 million dollar job and will connect the end of the existing line at Stow to an already sewered area at Prendergast Point near the Fish Hatchery.

It is clear, especially when viewing the shoreline from a boat, that sewers were needed. Small lots 50-100 ft. wide situated close together along the lake–just don’t have the space to contain both a working septic system and a consistently safe water well. Now, that problem will be solved.

Construction will start this winter, continue through 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2027. Thanks to all who were involved in reaching this milestone… a project which will help preserve Chautauqua Lake for future generations!

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.