Dutchess County, N.Y. to Pay Almost $11 Million Toward Pipeline

Dutchess County, N.Y., taxpayers could spend almost $11 million to build a $33.3 million pipeline that will carry treated water from Poughkeepsie to East Fishkill, where IBM Corp. wants to expand its computer chip plant.

If the project is approved, the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority will own the line. Details of the plan were laid out by authority officials earlier this week.

The county already approved borrowing $3 million for the project back in May 2002. IBM is providing $11.5 million, the state is spending $11.25 million, and East Fishkill pay $250,000.

County lawmakers will vote Thursday on borrowing $7.8 million to complete funding for the 13-mile pipeline.

IBM has agreed to purchase 2 million gallons a day from the Poughkeepsie plant.

No other customers have yet been lined up to take advantage of the water line, officials said. The 24-inch line will be able to carry up to 10 million gallons a day.

Source: AP