Depew trustees approve up to $3.5 million bond for sewer Phase 10 to satisfy DEC consent order

The Village of Depew Board of Trustees on Dec. 22 adopted a bond resolution authorizing Phase 10 of a sewer system capital improvements project, approving the issuance of serial bonds and bond anticipation notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,500,000.

The resolution, introduced by a board presenter, tied the work to a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation consent order (R9-20140128-1) requiring the village to undertake monitoring, repair and reconstruction of sewer facilities to avoid civil fines and penalties. The presenter read that the project was “at an estimated maximum cost of $3,500,000,” and said the village intends to seek federal, state, county or local funds and to apply for grants from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to offset the cost.

Trustees cast roll-call votes in favor of the resolution. The measure delegates authority to the village treasurer to issue bond anticipation notes in anticipation of selling the bonds and specifies that the amount to be financed may be offset by any grant or other funds received.

Why it matters: the DEC consent order compels the village to act to reduce sewer discharges and comply with environmental requirements; the bond provides a funding path for engineering and construction work necessary to meet the DEC timeline. The board’s authorization does not commit the village to a final financing plan; it sets the legal ceiling and delegation needed to move forward with bonding and to pursue grant funds.

Next steps: the treasurer may issue bond anticipation notes and the village will seek EFC and other grant funding; specific project scope, contractor selection and construction schedule were not specified during the meeting.