White Plains, NY – The Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) approved tonight a bond act and a bond act amendment to fund the cost of construction in connection with the replacement of overhead electrical cables with underground service at the Ossining Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The project involves the replacement of the County’s portion of the primary cables that provide the main electric power supply to the treatment plant. The two existing cables will be replaced with two new 13.2 kV primary feeders that will be installed in conduits underground up to the plant. The project includes approximately 2,200 feet of concrete duct bank and associated manholes to be installed along existing roadways. Casing and piping will used under the railroad tracks and a metal cable bridge will be constructed between bridges over the tracks and a roadway to carry the lines over Sing Sing Creek.

The construction bond was for $2.7 million, and the bond amendment reduced design costs from $500,000 to $100,000.

“Making timely investments in our infrastructure repairs ensures the safety of our residents and business owners while helping us avoid situations and accidents that result in more costly repairs down the road,” said Legislator Catherine Borgia (D-Ossining), chair of the BOL Government Operations Committee. “My colleagues on the Board of Legislators understand the importance of this responsibility, and I’m grateful for their support on a project that impacts the residents of Ossining.”

The vote, which was unanimous, occurred at the BOL’s regular meeting. Borgia, who spearheaded the legislation, noted that the aerial cables that are to be replaced have been in service for over thirty years; one of them has faulted, and the other was found to have water in its insulation. Placement of the cables underground will offer greater protection of these electric service lines.

“Replacement of these cables is necessary to maintain reliable electrical service to the treatment plant,” said Borgia. “I’m confident the work will begin soon.”

The BOL have passed the $220 million mark for the 2012-2013 legislative term in approved bonds for capital projects, more than double of the $101,546,000 for the bond acts approved by the BOL during the 2010-2011 term. The vetting process for legislative approval for nearly all of these approved capital projects began with the Government Operations Committee.