New water treatment facility up and running in Albany

Plans to improve water quality in the Hudson River is taking a step forward.

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Plans to improve water quality in the Hudson River is taking a step forward. A new water treatment facility opened in Albany's Lincoln Park on Tuesday.

The facility will disinfect sewage overflow and storm damage runoff, stopping potentially harmful chemicals from entering the river. Officials said it is a major step forward in strengthening the economic potential of the riverfront.

"This is going to help put us in a position to be able to develop the riverfront and to create a safe, clean river for generations to come," Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said.

Construction started three years ago. City leaders also plan to install tide gates along the shores of the river to further improve water quality.