By Maggie Fleming
Blasdell, NY – A merger Friday in the Village of Blasdell will be saving village taxpayers money on their water bills.
The Village of Blasdell officially announced its water system merger with the Erie County Water Authority, the region's largest public water utility.
Village of Blasdell Mayor Michael Petrie and Erie County Water Authority officials attended the cermony friday officially turning over the village's water system. Petrie said the village has invested $2.5 million over the past two years preparing for the merger.
"We've replaced over 6,000 feet of infrastructure, pipes and electric water read meters for all village residents. This merger will result in immediate cost savings for village residents with more to come in the future as bond financing is repaid," said Petrie.
Officials said the merger is expected to save the village $200,000 annuall, as well as provide a more efficient water system, and a stabilized rate structure for residents.