Contact: Barbara Riley
Friday, September 1, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH) announced today (9/1) that the Lower Bartlett Water Precinct (LBWP) has been approved for a $2.8 million funding package through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – helping the LBWP to complete water distribution infrastructure improvements concurrently with a state bridge replacement project along Route 302. The funding package, made available through USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal national reserve, includes $1.26 million in grant money, as well as eligibility for a $1.54 million loan.

“This project represents a long-term investment in the Lower Bartlett Water Precinct’s ability to deliver water to local residents for years to come,” said Sununu, who wrote a letter to the USDA in support of LBWP’s application for these resources. “Approval of this funding will help minimize construction along the heavily traveled Route 302 by enabling the Precinct to perform infrastructure upgrades while the New Hampshire DOT pursues a bridge replacement effort. Moreover, this approach will enable the Precinct to provide additional, uninterrupted supply to adjacent water systems for security and emergency reasons.”

A master water plan completed last year by the LBWP called for a 20 year capital improvement plan. With these USDA resources, the LBWP will be able to move forward to complete initial, high priority portions of the project, including: the installation of a twelve inch main along Route 302 and the West Side Road to Saco Ridge Development, as well as an eight inch main within the Saco Ridge Development. These upgrades will result in the interconnection of Mount Washington Valley municipal water systems; contribute to project design efficiencies; and help the LBWP avoid the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s Encroachment Moratorium.