Work is set to begin next month on the first phase of a project to replace aging sewer lines across the city. Plans call for the replacement of the sanitary sewer on Sterling Street between Henry and Cedar Streets. Work is expected to begin with the replacement of gas lines by Central Hudson starting next month and wrap up in July.

The project was designed by engineering firm Greenman Pederson Inc. Contractors Argenio brothers Inc. will carry out the replacement project. The $822,822 estimated cost of the project will be funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program and pandemic relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. The project is expected to cause intermittent closures of streets in the neighborhood.

The project is part of a larger project to address the city’s aging sewer infrastructure which , in some areas dates back 100 years or more. In addition to replacing deteriorating sewer pipes, the project will also replace a combined sewage and stormwater draining system with a separated system that will reduce overflows during periods of heavy rain when water volume overwhelms the city’s sewage treatment plant and raw sewage is discharged into the Rondout Creek. $4,5 million of the city’s $17.3 million ARPA award has been set aside for sewer and other infrastructure projects. The Sterling Street project will also support a plan to completely rebuild Henry Street as part of the city’s “Safe Routes to School” program. City officials say that replacement of underground infrastructure must be completed before crews can take on resurfacing and other above ground work.

“We are looking forward to getting this sewer project underway once the construction season begins,” said Mayor Steve Noble. “The Sterling Street section is the first phase of our citywide sewer repairs to address aging infrastructure across the City of Kingston. Completing the sewer work now will also ensure that underground repairs are completed in advance of the Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project, which will be getting underway soon.”