WASHINGTON – The Village of Ellenville has received over $1.9 million in grant funds and over $5.2 million in loan money from the US Department of Agriculture to improve its wastewater treatment system and help improve safe drinking water.

The money, part of the federal stimulus package, is expected to cover the entire project cost, said Mayor Jeffrey Kaplan.

“This should cover the cost of a new waste disposal treatment plant in Ellenville, state of the art in terms of energy efficiency, green and it would help protect the environment as well because we are using a 50-year-old plant that we have done a good job of band-aiding for some time now,” he said.

“Maintaining our wastewater systems is essential to the economic well being and public health of residents in Ellenville and throughout Ulster County,” said Senator Charles Schumer.

“Upgrading our aging water infrastructure is a critical part of economic growth in Ulster County,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “New York needs all the federal dollars we can get to help support the state’s infrastructure, ensure our communities economic and environmental health, and create jobs right here at home.”

Congressman Maurice Hinchey said the funds will create jobs and “relieve local taxpayers of the significant financial burden associated” with upgrading the plant.