Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced that a $15M relief sewer will soon be installed on a section of the Saw Mill along Hunt’s Lane in the Town of New Castle. The Saw Mill Relief Sewer Project, which was originally scheduled for 2024, was accelerated to begin in 2020 after the Westchester County Departments of Environmental Facilities, Planning and Health worked with the Town of New Castle and the Village/Town of Mount Kisco to develop a cost-effective solution to address a long standing issue for the communities. The infrastructure project will relieve a “choke point” on the Saw Mill River sewer trunk line by increasing the pipe size to 30 inches, and will address multiple long standing sewage issues and concerns, while protecting the surrounding communities and watershed. Any diversion of sewage to this improved line will be coordinated and funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection under a separate project.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “This is a true example of all levels of government working together to advance a project that will create a solution to a long-time sewage problem for the Town of New Castle. The Saw Mill Relief Sewer Project will alleviate choke point issues stemming from a narrowing portion of the County’s Saw Mill trunk line. This increase in capacity will provide an outflow solution for communities across northeast Westchester.”

Commissioner of the Department of Planning Norma Drummond said: “Protecting the quality of water in Westchester is one of our highest priorities and part of this is making improvements to our sewer infrastructure that was designed a lifetime ago. This Relief Project will help protect the local water for another lifetime.”

County Legislator and Chair of Committee of Public Works Vedat Gashi said: “This is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when all levels of government are engaged and work towards a common purpose.  This vital infrastructure project was long overdue; it will mean clean drinking water and protecting our environment for our children, and for generations to come.  I am proud to promote the passage of this project through the Committee on Public Works and Transportation.”

Legislator Kitley Covill said: “I am so appreciative that the County and the Environmental Facilities Department was able to pivot quickly to address this much needed sewer project.  The “choke point” will exist no longer and more sewer connections with a bigger flow means cleaner water.”

New Castle Town Supervisor Ivy Pool said: “We grateful to the County for its leadership and proud of our partnership with Mount Kisco. Accelerating the relief sewer project is an essential regional infrastructure improvement and is the best solution for our shared environment, our residents and our future."

Mayor of Mount Kisco Gina Picinich said: “Prioritizing this project is another example of forward thinking by County Executive Latimer and the Legislature. Expanding capacity of this sewer line solves an existing problem, and fortifies essential infrastructure to prepare for the future. We value our continued partnership with Westchester County government and the Town of New Castle.”

Design work on the Saw Mill Relief Sewer Project will begin in 2020 after the Westchester County Board of Legislators approved a Bond Act to amend the 2020 Capital Budget, with construction starting in 2021. The work will include, but not be limited to: excavation and fill; tunneling; paving and other roadwork; the installation of sanitary sewer pipe and manholes.