During the February meeting of its Board of Commissioners, Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) announced it has contributed $141,478 to four local organizations through the State of Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act program which allows businesses to make tax credit payments to qualified nonprofits.

“NPU is proud to participate in the Neighborhood Assistance Act program and to provide critical funding to these four outstanding community partners,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of NPU. “This program keeps a significant portion of our state tax payments right here in Norwich and is a great way for us to deepen our relationship with these great organizations.”

Through the NAA, the following organizations have received funding from NPU:

Otis Library ($33,028), to support an updated building and energy management system. This project is part of Otis Library’s continued efforts to improve its HVAC system and will help control and reduce energy consumption and lead to significant savings on the library’s annual energy costs.

St. Vincent de Paul Place ($28,794), for an energy-efficient dishwashing system.  Disposable items used for the Community Meals program currently cost $8,400 per year. Installation of a high-quality dishwasher will reduce expenses for the organization considerably which will benefit the range of programs offered by the agency. In 2019, St. Vincent de Paul Place’s Community Meals program operated on 313 days, and provided more than 78,000 breakfasts and mid-day meals, averaging 250 meals per day. An additional 15,000 sandwiches and miscellaneous meals bring the total to more than 93,000 meals provided in 2019 to those in need.

United Family and Community Service ($56,342), to support a major HVAC upgrade to the organization’s General Administration building, one of the most recognizable and historically significant buildings in Norwich. The project includes the installation of multi-zone, heat-pump condensing units, ducted air handlers and a ductless wall mounted indoor unit. The project will ultimately include the replacement of 70 windows at the Samuel Huntington Mansion on East Town Street, which was constructed between 1783 and 1785.

United War Veterans Army of the Republic Memorial Association / Buckingham Memorial ($23,314), to support the replacement of compromised furnaces and a variety of efficiency upgrades at the historic building. Located at 307 Main Street, the home of William A. Buckingham, the former Norwich Mayor as well as Connecticut Governor and U.S. Senator, is in the midst of a significant renovation.

The Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program is administered by the Department of Revenue Services and is designed to provide funding for municipal and tax- exempt organizations by providing a tax credit for businesses that make cash contributions to organizations and projects approved by the State.

Each year, NPU pays the Gross Revenues Tax to the State of Connecticut on the purchase of  natural gas and electricity. The NAA limits participating organizations to $150,000 per year in tax credits and the statewide program has a cap of $5 million.