August 28, 2024

SENATORS MARX, OSTEN WELCOME NEW DRINKING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN MONTVILLE

State Senators Martha Marx (D-New London) and Cathy Osten (D-Norwich) welcomed the recent announcement that Montville will soon receive a new emergency waterline and pumping station to protect its local water system infrastructure. The new resources will be built by the state Department of Public Health, which recently received a $556,000 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency as part of a larger federal project to support drinking water systems in underserved or small communities.

The new waterline and pumping station is designed to protect drinking water system infrastructure from drought. It will consist of a new water main to provide an emergency connection between the Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority’s two Montville and Seven Oaks Divisions distribution systems. The pumping station will be built to add pressure to the system and allow the Seven Oaks Division to supply the Montville Division with water during periods of heavy summer use and drought.

This effort is meant to fight droughts and floods across the United States and will preserve safe and clean drinking water throughout Montville for thousands of residents in the event of disaster.

“Drought poses a risk to our communities; in the last decade, we’ve seen multiple periods of significant drought roil Connecticut, and our region has struggled,” said Sen. Marx. “While we’re seeing lots of rain now, we know that can change quickly with the forecasts. It’s great to know that Montville’s residents will have the resources in place to guarantee them safe drinking water even in the case of emergencies. I’m grateful to our federal leaders and federal delegation for their support of this important program.”

“Knowing that our community has additional steps in place to mitigate future challenges is relieving,” said Sen. Osten. “This new waterline and pumping station represent long-term investments in our region that can avert potential disaster. Drought and extreme weather pose a risk to our communities; this action by our federal government mitigates that risk and ensures residents will continue to have access to clean drinking water no matter what.”

“Clean water is the foundation of health, prosperity, and peace. Without it, life and growth are impossible; with it, communities thrive and future generations flourish. We are very fortunate to receive assistance in the construction of the emergency waterline and pumping station in Montville,” said Town of Montville Mayor Leonard G. Bunnell Sr.

Contact: Joe O’Leary | 508-479-4969 | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov