ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A federal government shutdown has temporarily stalled the Town of Bethany's Water District #5 project, with residents and farmers reporting a lack of access to public water.

According to the town's official update on Oct. 22, Phase 2 of the project has been put on hold because the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides funding and approvals for rural infrastructure projects, is included in the shutdown.

The project, which aims to provide public water to approximately 1,000 residents, received a $5 million grant from New York State. That funding came after a severe water shortage in late 2023, during which many residents experienced dry wells for months.

Phase 1, which includes installation of pipelines, a water tower, and a pump station, is expected to b

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