Water projects win key support

4/26/07
A powerful committee in the state Legislature has taken an important step to ensure funding for clean water projects, and now it’s up to the wider Assembly and the governor to make sure the proposal is enacted.
The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee recommended that $110 million in general obligation bonds be authorized for the state’s Clean Water Fund. It will allow a number of projects that have been put off in recent years, when the bonding was far below necessary levels, to move forward. The state’s environmental goals can be reached, but it costs money, and the committee’s push to get those funds is a good sign.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell received plaudits, deservedly, for her proposal to bring up the funding levels for the clean water obligations, but the finance committee has taken it even higher. It’s a necessary move, as keeping our drinking water clean and our lakes, rivers and Long Island Sound as pollution-free as possible is in all our interests.
And its communities along the Sound that stand to benefit the most. Bridgeport, Milford and West Haven each have wastewater treatment projects awaiting funding, and it’s to the benefit of the state and region that these programs go forward and are fully paid for. Clean water is not something you take chances on.
The committee’s approval makes it likely the bill will pass the wider Assembly and win the support of the governor. It’s important that they follow up on this, and make sure our water system is prepared for the worst. It’s an investment worth making.