Staff from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Transfer Station received an early and much-deserved Christmas present—a new truck. Overseen by the Environment Division, it was the second truck purchased for the Transfer Station from funds awarded to the Tribe through a 2016 class action lawsuit.
This 2021 Freightliner 122SD, purchased for a grand total of $132,138.00, will be used for transporting the municipal solid waste. trailer between the Transfer Station and Franklin County Landfill without outsourcing. The 2021 Freightliner, a 6 cylinder, M2 – 106 model vehicle, with low NOx Emissions, will reduce the amount of air emissions by a whopping 50%.
“I want to say a special thanks to all those that have worked so hard to make this happen. What a wonderful Christmas present!” shared SRMT Solid Waster Program Manager Lisa Furnace. Furnace added, “Thank you Angela for filing the application for this funding, this project happened because you pursued the opportunity.”
SRMT Air Quality Program Manager Angela Benedict spear-headed the project to secure funding through the VW settlement in a process that has spanned years. Since the funds were first awarded to the Tribe in 2019, Benedict’s efforts have now helped purchase three low-emission diesel trucks: two for the Transfer Station and one for the Tribe’s Planning & Infrastructure Division. One more is expected in the coming months for the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort.
Along with the purchase of two trucks, the monies were included to install electric vehicle charging stations in three locations: Ionkwakiohkwaró:ron Tribal Administration Building, SRMT Health Services Building, and Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, free for the public to use.
“So many others deserve recognition as well,” expressed Furnace. “Every team member each did their part! I am grateful for the assistance of: Ashley Brown and the Procurement staff, Heather Henry and Paula Gray from Finance, from Accounting, Linda Benedict and Leslie Thompson for their assistance; and all others who may have played a role in this project. I am thankful for our Transfer Station team who have been incredibly patient and supportive.”
“We particularly need to recognize the support given by Tribal Council and Executive Directors Office, in addition to the leadership of the Environment Division from Director Tony David and Assistant-Director Les Benedict! None of this is possible without a great team.”
Arrival of the freightliner brings much joy this haul-iday season - increasing efficiency while decreasing our carbon footprint. SRMT Environment Division wishes everyone a safe and prosperous New Year.
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