FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

CONTACT: 860-524-7313

March 19, 2010

Governor M. Jodi Rell today visited Norwich’s Fairview Reservoir to see firsthand how the state is using federal stimulus funds to make upgrades to a local public drinking water project.

“I wanted to get an up close and personal look at how some of our stimulus money is helping Norwich residents,” Governor Rell said after viewing the city’s pumping station.  “This project will result in more efficient equipment and lower maintenance costs.  Most importantly, it will result in a reliable system that provides safe, clean water to thousands of Norwich residents.”

The stimulus funds are administered by the state Department of Public Health’s Drinking Water Fund Program.  Connecticut has received almost $3 billion so far in stimulus funds.

“Overall, we have dedicated about $68 million in stimulus funds to projects that will upgrade public drinking water and sewage treatment systems,” Governor Rell said.  “It makes a difference not only to our public health but to our economic health as well.  We are talking about the jobs needed to work on these projects.  This project in Norwich is just one of 12 all across the state.”

For information on other federal stimulus initiatives in Connecticut, visit the state’s official stimulus Web site at: www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.

For more information on the Fairview Reservoir project, visit: http://www.ct.gov/recovery/lib/recovery/certification/environment/drink_water/2009-09-08_norwich_arra_1511_certification_signed.pdf .