Press Releases
08/26/2024
DPH selected to receive $556,000 in a new grant to combat impact of climate change on drinking water infrastructure in Montville
BOSTON, Mass. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of the Connecticut Department of Public Health for a $556,000 grant to construct an emergency waterline and pumping station to protect drinking water system infrastructure in Montville, Conn., from drought. This funding is part of $25.5 million in grants announced by the Biden-Harris Administration through a new program to support drinking water systems in underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities while reducing impacts of climate change. This is the first time EPA is awarding funding under the Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, with the 16 inaugural selectees spanning Connecticut to Alaska.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is one of 16 selected recipients of this new funding:
- Connecticut Department of Public Health: $556,000 to construct an emergency waterline and pumping station to protect drinking water system infrastructure from drought. The proposed project will consist of the installation of a new water main to provide an emergency interconnection between Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority's (SCWA's) Montville and Seven Oaks Divisions distribution systems, as well as a new drinking water pumping station will be constructed to provide adequate pressure to the system, allowing the Seven Oaks Division to supply the Montville Division with water when experiencing inadequate supply issues during drought periods and heavy summer use.
"Every person deserves access to clean and safe drinking water, and no family should have to worry that when they turn on the tap, nothing comes out. Yet, many communities across New England are already experiencing the effects of droughts and floods, exacerbated by climate change, which threaten their supply to clean, reliable water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Today's announcement represents another crucial step toward building the resilience of our water infrastructure and ensuring that all communities, especially those most vulnerable, can weather the challenges brought on by a changing climate. Congratulations to Connecticut's Department of Public Health for securing this new grant funding and helping to ensure that all families have access to clean and safe drinking water."
"The severe effects of climate change – like extreme droughts and the deadly flooding Connecticut residents experienced last weekend – can threaten our clean water supply. I am thrilled the Connecticut Department of Public Health was awarded this $556,000 in federal funding to build the necessary infrastructure to ensure Montville residents have a clean and reliable water supply. I am proud to fight, alongside my colleagues, to deliver these critical investments to our state," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
"As our state faces worsening flooding and droughts due to climate change, we need infrastructure that is resilient and can continue providing reliable, clean drinking water. This $556,000 will help fund an emergency waterline and pumping station in Montville to ensure no community, especially those hit hardest by the effects of climate change, has to worry about accessing clean drinking water when the next storm hits," said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.
"Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events which put a major strain on our infrastructure. This new federal funding which I helped secure will protect Montville's water systems from drought and ensure the community has reliable access to clean drinking water. Kudos to the Town of Montville for being one of 16 communities selected nationwide to receive this competitive grant," said U.S. Representative Joe Courtney.
"DPH is grateful for this ongoing support from the Biden-Harris Administration which addresses two of our overarching goals including the public health effects of climate change and prioritizing the needs of our underserved and disadvantaged communities," said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. "Installing a new water main and constructing this pumping station will increase access for a number of households to safe, adequate, and reliable drinking water services especially during drought periods and heavy summer use."
"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.
Background
This is the first time EPA is awarding funding under the Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability grant program, established under the America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018. AWIA improves drinking water and water quality, deepens infrastructure investments, enhances public health and quality of life, increases jobs, and bolsters the economy.
Learn more about EPA's Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability grant program.
Environmental justice and equity are central to EPA's programs, and this action advances progress under President Biden's Justice40 Initiative by investing in communities with a legacy of environmental justice concerns. Through these grants, EPA will make awards to projects that benefit underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities. EPA anticipates making the awards to the selected recipients once they have satisfied legal and administrative requirements.