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Bond Bill Has $2.5M for Deteriorating Windsor Dam04:31PM / Tuesday, July 29, 2008
BOSTON — The state House unanimously approved a $1.6 billion environmental bond bill on Tuesday that includes a $2.5 million appropriation for the reconstruction of the Dalton Fire and Water District's Windsor Reservoir Dam.
The 62-acre reservoir is the primary water source for Dalton. But the dam was badly damaged during severe rainstorms in October 2005 and the Water District has been unable to use the reservoir. The dam and reservoir have been the focus of a multiphase restoration project.
Dalton residents currently receive water supplied by the city of Pittsfield. In addition, the dam has been deemed structurally unsafe by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which oversees the state's dams.
"This is a step in the right direction toward funding this high priority project," said Rep. Denis E. Guyer, D-Dalton. "The new Windsor Dam will allow for Dalton to once again have an independent water supply, and will also be much safer. This reconstruction will help to avert a disaster from befalling Dalton and other downriver residents and businesses."
Guyer and House Ways and Means Chairman Robert A. DeLeo spoke of the expected funding of the dam's restoration on Saturday during DeLeo's visit to the Berkshires. The Winthrop Democrat pointed to the dam money as representative of both his commitment to investing in projects significant to the state's communities and Guyer's perseverance in explaining the importance of the dam.
"The Dalton Fire District truly appreciates all of the hard work and effort put forth by Denis Guyer into securing much needed funds for the replacement of Windsor Dam," said James Driscoll, chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Dalton Fire and Water District. "We are very thankful for the foresight of Denis with all of the issues involved and the tremendous need for the state's help. It is through his involvement that the District is able to look forward to a successful completion to this much needed project."
The Dalton Fire and Water District is an independent entity chartered in 1884 that provides fire protection and drinking water to the town of Dalton. The district serves more than 7,000 residents and local businesses.
Bond Bill Passes the Senate
Tuesday evening the Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously to pass its version of the Environmental Bond Bill. The bill was designed to improve and preserve the Commonwealth's environmental infrastructure over the next 5 years and includes several local priorities secured by State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield).
"This bond provides the environmental agencies with a work plan to guide them in their mission of protecting, preserving and enhancing our natural resources and assets," said Downing in a release.
Each step of the way, Downing and his House colleagues in the Berkshire Delegation have successfully secured authorizations for projects and programming that enhance environmental assets in western Massachusetts, including:
$3.35 million for the Notch Reservoir and Mount Williams Reservoir Dams in the City of North Adams for phase II inspections and emergency repairs
$2.5 million for East Windsor Dam in the Town of Dalton to fund emergency repairs and renovations
$650,000 for enhancements and repairs to the Laurel Lake Public Access Boat Ramp in the Town of Lee
$5 million to establish a new Grant Program to Assist Municipalities with the Control of Invasive Aquatic Species in Lakes and Ponds
Creation of new Land Conservation Incentives in the form of state income tax credits to land owners who protect environmentally valuable land, making it viable for a greater number of private landowners to donate land to the state or land trusts
$15 million to design, plan and maintain bike paths, facilities and greenways for the bicycle recreating public statewide
The Environmental Bond Bill is now before the House of Representatives for further consideration and final enactment.
Edited 3:30 p.m., July 30, 2008; Included Information on Bill Passing State Senate and Addition of Local Initiatives by Berkshire Delegates. |
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