Port Washington gets $450,000 grant to replace septic system with sewers

A $450,000 grant from New York State will help fund replacing a deteriorating septic system with a sewer system in Port Washington.

The $1.8 million project would connect North Hempstead Beach Park’s sewer system, which is more than 40 years old, to the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District. The remaining costs are to be covered by borrowing.

“Reducing the nitrogen content in our harbor and waterways is critical for the health of our water and our residents,” Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a news release. “This grant gives us a wonderful opportunity to modernize the park’s wastewater system and improve its infrastructure.”

The town currently collects wastewater from 12 service facilities in the park. The waste is sent to a below-ground pumping station and then to a disposal system. The system was built in 1971 and does not function properly, leading to costly pump outs, officials said.