CT receiving $19.5M for water works

Connecticut is getting $19.5 million in federal stimulus funds to upgrade infrastructure for public drinking water in the cities and towns, including East Lyme and Norwich, the governor said today.

In the greater Hartford area, the Metropolitan District Commission will use the funds for meter replacement and an automated meter reading system. The Tolland Water Department plans consolidation work at a Torrey Road public water system.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell said the state Department of Public Health will administer the funds through its existing Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program.

DPH officials say 50 percent of the $19.5 million are for subsidized loans for "shovel ready" projects. The remaining funds will be used for long-term low interest loans and to administer the program.

Other towns with projects receiving stimulus funds for public drinking water upgrades are: Brookfield, East Lyme, Ridgefield, Norwich, Plainfield, Putnam and Woodbury.