Blumenthal, Courtney Announce Major Federal Assistance for Putnam Infrastructure
Norwich, CT—Today Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Joe Courtney announced a federal grant and loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program to the town of Putnam, Connecticut. The $4.8 million grant and $10.6 million loan, funded by the 2014 Farm Bill’s Rural Development title, will be used to install nearly 43,000 feet of new water main, reline more than 9,000 feet of water main, and rehabilitate the Richmond Hill Water Storage Tank. Additionally, 697 lateral connections, 88 fire hydrants and 180 gate valves will be replaced.
“This federal grant and low-interest loan will help modernize Putnam’s water system, eliminating water loss and improving water quality,” said Senator Blumenthal. “I will continue to advocate for the wise use of federal funds for vital projects that keep user fees reasonable, reduce the need for ongoing, costly emergency maintenance and improve critical public services.”
“These funds are another step in bringing Putnam’s water system into the 21st century. Since 2009, I have worked with town officials to upgrade a system that has lines that are more than 100 years old,” Congressman Courtney said. “Success stories like Putnam have led me to advocate for robust rural development funding from my position on the Agriculture Committee. From an $11.7 million grant to upgrade its Water Pollution Control Facility to $1.54 million in grants and $4.55 million in low-interest loans to upgrade other components of the system, USDA and the town have worked to improve water quality for Putnam residents. I will continue to work to strengthen the USDA Rural Development program, which provides necessary support to rural towns in eastern Connecticut to perform crucial projects like this one.”
“Joe Courtney is a great asset to Putnam in helping us secure grants to improve our infrastructure. We are indebted to Joe for his hard work and for bringing ‘good stuff’ to Putnam,” said Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano.
According to USDA, this project will improve water quality and increase the system’s operational efficiency through a reduction in the amount of water loss experienced, inflow and infiltration, and main breaks. Additionally, the Town will experience a reduction in costs associated with the water main breaks, which will free up cash flow and allow personnel to address other issues. Environmentally, the proposed improvements will not only benefit local residents, but also animals and wildlife through minimizing groundwater depletion and wetland conservation.