By Doug LaRocque

A new water transmission line is the final step in solving Hoosick Falls’ years-old water problem.

Last week, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos joined Mayor Rob Allen, Town Supervisor Mark Surdam and other local officials to break ground for the construction of the new water transmission line.

The line will run from the well fields along NYS Route 22 and the village’s water treatment plant along Waterworks Road.

The construction line, which will pass under the Hoosic River, is the final step in solving the village’s years-old water crisis, sparked by the discovery of PFOA is the village’s water system.

That discovery began a long legal battle with Saint Gobain and Honeywell, two of the companies that were determined to be at fault for the contamination. The process included the installation of a filtration system at the water plant, a search for a new water source and court action involving current and future medical costs for those served by the system.

Construction of the new line is being paid for by a $45 million settlement between the state, village and the two corporations.

The project is expected to take about seven months to complete.