ELIZABETHTOWN -- The towns of Chesterfield, Keene, Minerva and Westport are the recipients of $15 million in grants and interest-free loans to ensure safe, reliable and affordable potable water.

This is, "of paramount importance to supporting the economy of the Adirondacks," said Matthew Millea, acting president of the Environmental Facilities Corporation.

The monies have been provided through the New York Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

Chesterfield received a $2 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund hardship grant and a $2.5 million interest-free loan. This is expected to save the town $5.73 million over the term of the loan.

"This money is a godsend for a hamlet like Port Kent," Supervisor Gerald Morrow said.

He explained how the Department of Health administratively ordered an unfunded mandate for a new system to comply with new federal drinking-water regulations.

Currently the Port Kent residents pay $300 a year for their water, which if the funding had not become available would have risen to approximately $1,200 per year. The town has already spent $800,000 in an attempt to find a new source, and Morrow is optimistic the most recent well will pass.

Initially, Morrow turned down the loan so that the town could possibly receive a grant, and then he re-applied for the loan.

Minerva received a 30-year interest-free loan for $1.31 million, which will save more than $1 million in interest, to finance new water-supply wells and distribution mains. Their antiquated system dates from the 1940s, according to Minerva Supervisor Michael McSweeney, who thanked the Environmental Facilities Corporation for its guidance. Construction is expected to be completed in Aug. 2008.

Keene was the beneficiary of a $4 million interest-free loan for upgrades to existing groundwater sources, storage structures and transmission and distribution mains. This saves the town approximately $3.25 million in interest.

"This was my first trip down the road," Ferebee noted. "The loan process was complex. However, the people at EFC provided expert guidance which was very helpful." Project completion is slated for summer 2009.

"We are very fortunate to get the funding for both projects," Westport Supervisor Dan Connell said.

Westport received $1.85 million in interest-free loans in addition to a $1.97 million grant to upgrade its water source, construct water-storage tanks and has replaced antiquated distribution mains for approximately 500 users. It is anticipated Westport will save $5 million over the term of the loan.

Sen. Betty Little emphasized that in small North Country communities, "infrastructure is our main focus." She explained that due to a limited population, the small towns could not afford such projects without help.

"Our communities are small, and our systems are aged," Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward said. "Nothing happens in our communities without infrastructure." As a former town supervisor she attested to the difficulties of obtaining funding.