Amy understands that Olean’s future depends on addressing longstanding infrastructure issues. Her plan includes:
- Following the Wastewater Master Plan to repair and maintain our sewer systems.
- Preventing further lawsuits by addressing neglected intermunicipal contracts.
- Leading West State Street’s $25M RAISE grant project with transparency, prioritizing safety, lighting, and public involvement.
- Seeking grants for future infrastructure needs while maintaining affordability for residents.
Fixing Olean’s Aging Infrastructure
In 2003, the City of Olean entered an Order of Consent with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for State Pollution Discharge Elimination System because of violations that occurred from January 1998 through February 2000. In 2005, the Final Draft Master Plan was developed to fulfill this requirement by “establishing goals, actions, and projected outcomes of six major program elements:
- Treatment Plant Improvements
- Interceptor Improvements
- Pump Station Improvements
- Sanitary Sewer System Asset Management
- Sewer Use Ordinance Enforcement
- Storm Sewer Asset Management”
In July of 2024, Mayor Aiello received a letter from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Inflow and infiltration continue to be a concern, along with the bypass of waste at the City’s pump stations. In Aiello’s 12 years as mayor and previous tenure with Olean’s police department, he is fully aware of these often-overlooked issues. This mismanagement of the aging sewer infrastructure has resulted in countless visits from local environmentalists as well as the Seneca Nation to plead with solutions. This administration has also failed to negotiate a new sewage treatment contract with our St. Bonaventure and Allegany neighbors which resulted in a lawsuit against our city. All these issues could have been avoided if we had a leader who recognizes that our successful future depends on actions taken today.
As mayor, I will be mindful of this issue. I will follow the recommendations of our Wastewater Master Plan and diligently work towards compliance. I will prioritize using the Sewer Fund to address the list of problems rather than diverting it to other expenses.
Our wastewater management is the most pressing issue with our aging infrastructure, but there will be other equally important projects that we must seek grants for and implement revenue generating channels that will offset costs. It is easy to raise water and sewer rates at a steady rate that exceeds an affordable increase, but the City of Olean residents should not pay more for services and receive less quality in return.
On a positive note, RAISE, the recent 25-million-dollar award from the Federal Government to transform West State Street. Olean needs a leader who will oversee this project, being mindful of the process of Federal Grants and compliance for reimbursement. I have experience and understand the complexities of this. In 2018, I was asked to be part of the DRI Committee. I learned first-hand how State officials work with our city government. I absorbed all the information that was given and the importance of community involvement. I will be an advocate for the needs of the city first and foremost by not compromising infrastructure for aesthetics. Safety will be a priority with better road and sidewalk lighting. Most importantly, I will lead this project with transparency, honesty and common sense for the future of West State Street.