Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed a planned release of $250,000 in grant funding to the town of East Hampton from the State Bond Commission. At its scheduled July 21 meeting, the Bond Commission plans to approve the grant-in-aid to finance a plan for alternative water sources in the town.
“For years, the town of East Hampton has worked to find new solutions for water sources to improve upon current ones,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their recognizance of this important issue. With this grant, East Hampton will be able to determine the best way forward to ensure its residents and employees have ready access to clean water.”
The funding for an alternative water sources plan comes as East Hampton continues to struggle with acquiring clean water. Current supplies are not enough for the town’s residents and many water sources are contaminated by chemicals or iron. Town officials have said in the past this issue has harmed business development and has impacted East Hampton dating back to the 1960s. A new water plan would allow the town to supply clean water to all of its residents and businesses.