Norwich Bulletin - www.norwichbulletin.com - Norwich, Conn.
Local push is on for clean water funding
By LIZ MUGAVERO
Norwich Bulletin
HARTFORD -- The Clean Water Investment Coalition Tuesday called on the General Assembly to increase funding to clean up Connecticut's rivers and Long Island Sound, asking for $157 million for the 2007-208 fiscal year.
The coalition's report found the Clean Water Fund program is still able to be repaired, but need for these projects is real.
Led by Norwich City Manager Bob Zarnetske, the coalition reiterated that without financial support, ongoing and proposed projects will not be completed.
"One such project is the sewer upgrade in the city," Zarnetske said. "We need the state to contribute funds to make it possible for our water to be clean. These projects are essential to ensuring our rivers and the Sound are clean and safe."
Zarnetske said the problem is increasing costs in construction and engineering.
"The funds are necessary to upgrade plants and improve wastewater management systems as quickly as possible, so we don't pay more later."
Eastern Connecticut cities/towns awaiting funding include: Waterford, Groton, Norwich, Old Saybrook, Plainfield, Killingly, Putnam, East Lyme, Sprague, Thompson and Montville.
