On February 27, 2023, Senator Richard Blumenthal announced that Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) will receive $1.6 million to support two critical projects as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget signed into law in December.

Before a group of NPU employees, Senator Blumenthal announced that $800,000 will be provided through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Poquetanuck Cove Crossing Water Interconnection; $800,000 will also be provided to support NPU’s work of re-lining sewer mains in the Greeneville section of Norwich.

The requests were included by Senators Blumenthal and Chris Murphy as part of their Congressionally Directed Spending requests.

“This $1.6 million will make critical upgrades to Norwich Public Utilities’ infrastructure – providing additional sources of water for the region’s residents and reducing untreated sewage discharges into the Shetucket and Thames Rivers. This federal investment in our communities’ infrastructure is a significant step to protect our waterways. I am thrilled to join Norwich Public Utilities to celebrate this funding that is addressing critical needs in Norwich. I will keep fighting to deliver more funding for these vital community projects.”

“NPU is grateful for the time and efforts of Senators Blumenthal and Murphy to secure this funding for our community. These projects will improve public safety and water quality in our region, while modernizing and upgrading our infrastructure,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of NPU. “On behalf of our employees and the residents of Norwich, we thank Senator Blumenthal for his ongoing support of NPU.”

The Poquetanuck Cove Crossing Water Interconnection will connect the 1,220-foot gap between the Groton and Norwich water systems at the Preston/Ledyard border and is a joint project between Groton Utilities (GU) and NPU.

By re-lining its sewer mains in Greeneville, more capacity in our pipe network will allow dry and wet weather sewer flows to be more easily conveyed to the NPU wastewater treatment plant for treatment.

Construction on both projects is expected to begin before Memorial Day with work likely completed before the end of 2023.