Septic funds available for homeowners

YATES COUNTY--Keuka Housing Council received a $200,000 grant to repair or replace septic systems for single family homeowners in Yates County.
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must own their home, have homeowners insurance, meet the income guidelines and be up-to-date on their property taxes and mortgage.
For a single-person household, the income cap is $35,650. For a two-person household, the cap is $40,750. For a three-person household, the cap is $45,850. For a four-person household, the cap is $50,900.
Kelly Smith, administrative assistant, said Keuka Housing Council plans to help at least 10 families with the $200,000 on a first-come first-serve basis, expecting each job to cost $20,000 and up. She said, "The septics are quite pricey, so they go through that quickly."
If selected, applicants will choose three contractors from a list, and those contractors will bid for the job. The council will select the lowest responsible bid.
The grant covers all expenses, from the engineer drawing up the plans to the contractors fulfilling the job. Septic systems don't have to be failing for an applicant to be eligible. Smith said, "It can be working slowly, it can be failing, hopefully we catch it when it's just failing, not failed."
When this money runs out, the council plans to apply for more grants. Smith said the council accepts applications whether they have funding or not. If an applicant applies when they are full or are out of funds, the council will put them on a waiting list and may refer them to other agencies.
Accepted applicants do not have to spend their own money, but they are expected to stay in the home for a regulatory period of usually 10 years after the work is complete. If they move before the time is up, they will be expected to pay a prorated portion of the grant.
For more, call Keuka Housing Council at 315-536-8707, or visit at 160 Main St. in Penn Yan.