Averill Park Central School District officials joined local, county and state representatives on June 17 to celebrate the groundbreaking of Water District No. 2, a major infrastructure project that will provide a permanent public water supply to Algonquin Middle School (AMS) and more than 100 surrounding properties in the Town of Poestenkill.
“On behalf of the Averill Park Central School District, I would like to thank all of our elected officials who have helped to make the new water district that extends to Algonquin Middle School a reality,” APCSD Superintendent Dr. James Franchini said. “This project represents years of collaboration and persistence on behalf of our students, staff, families, and school community.”
The project marks a significant milestone in a years-long effort that began after elevated levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS compound, were detected in drinking water wells serving AMS and nearby residences. Following the discovery, the District immediately implemented protective measures, including shutting off drinking fountains, providing bottled water, and later installing a treatment system to ensure safe drinking water for students and staff.
While the treatment system has successfully provided safe drinking water at the school, District leaders have consistently advocated for a permanent, long-term solution.
“The new water line will provide AMS with municipal water, which will provide our students and staff with safe, clean drinking water and will help the District eliminate the costs associated with the current filtration system that we installed after we received the results of the PFOA testing,” Franchini said.
The new water district is being constructed along portions of Route 66 and neighboring roads in Poestenkill. Construction is expected to be completed later this year.
The $6.2 million project is being funded through a combination of federal, state, county, and local support, including grants secured through New York State, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, congressional appropriations, and Rensselaer County. Residents approved the remaining local share through a public referendum.
“The District has a great relationship with our community partners and that certainly includes the towns we serve and Rensselaer County. We are grateful for those positive and collaborative relationships and the benefits those relationships provide to our students and families,” Franchini stated.
District officials expressed appreciation to the Town of Poestenkill, Rensselaer County, New York State agencies, federal partners, and community members whose support helped move the project from planning to construction.