CWC adopts budget, approves 2 business loans

MARGARETVILLE, N.Y., Dec. 3, 2007 - An operating and program budget totaling $56.7 million for 2008 was approved by the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) Board of Directors November 27.

The spending plan includes administrative expenses for the non-profit local development corporation, as well as the cost of running 12 environmental protection, economic development and education programs during the coming year.

The CWC was created in 1997 to help protect water quality and assist communities in the New York City Watershed west of the Hudson River. Its 16-person staff runs a variety of programs, ranging from the replacement of failed residential septic systems, to the Catskill Fund for the Future which provides low-interest loans to businesses in Watershed Towns.

At its November meeting, the CWC Board also approved a new, $37.2 million contract with New York City to continue and expand the Community Wastewater Management Program over the next five years. This program, which began in 2002, has provided wastewater treatment solutions for the hamlets of Bovina Center and DeLancey, with projects underway in Hamden, Bloomville and Boiceville. The new contract will assure completion of a wastewater handling system in Ashland, as well as projects in South Kortright, Lexington and Trout Creek should those hamlets choose to participate.

Another CWC program - Local Consultation for Land Acquisition - provides funds for municipalities incurring expenses in reviewing and commenting on New York City land acquisition proposals within their jurisdictions. A resolution adopted on Nov. 27 approved of the addition of $300,000 to the fund pursuant to a mandate in the 2007 Filtration Avoidance Determination, and increasing the amount available to each municipality from $20,000 to $30,000.

In other business, the Board okayed loans to a couple seeking to purchase and renovate the Gateway Lodge in Highmount, and to a Roxbury excavating company to erect a new shop and office.

Nicholas Kop and Kristina Janson, as NJK, Inc., plan to acquire Gateway Lodge and continue its operation as a bed and breakfast inn. They plan to expand the dining area to create a "waffle house" providing breakfast and lunch to the public. A swimming pool and other amenities are also planned.

Cowan Excavating will receive a low-interest loan to erect a 6,800-square-foot shop and office on land it owns in Halcottsville. The facility will replace a small building on Depot Street in Roxbury./font>