RIPLEY — A sewer project in the town will now be thousands of dollars less, thanks to the efforts of Congressman Tom Reed and his Constituent Services Program. After a collapsed sewer line under the railroad caused some major issues for the town, town of Ripley officials reached out to Reed for assistance with the situation.

A one-time licensing fee of $11,000 has been waived by the railroad company, after inquiries were made by the Office of Congressman Reed. Douglas Bowen, Ripley town supervisor, said “We are so thankful to the Congressman for his efforts in reducing some of the fees associated with the sewer project which travels underneath the Norfolk Southern railroad lines. This project is very important to the people of Ripley, and we are glad that it is on the right track.”

“We were glad to assist the town of Ripley to move this project forward and help lessen the burden on taxpayers,” Reed said. “We are here to serve the people and get them the help they need when they need it. This is our most important work — meeting with constituents, listening to their needs and working on the issues they care about most.”

Reed noted that Ripley, known as the “Gateway to New York state,” was initially established in 1816 under the name of “Quincy.” The town became known as “Ripley” in 1873 after General Eleazar Wheelock Ripley, who was active in the War of 1812. Ripley is in the westernmost portion of the district, just before the Pennsylvania border on the I-90.