NEW LONDON, CT — Nearly $7 million in federal funding will go to New London to replace 150 lead service lines, according to a statement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Protecting children and families by reducing lead exposure is a top priority for EPA,” EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash said in a statement. “Thanks to federal funding, and the City of New London’s initiative to proactively replace lead service lines in their community, New Londoners will no longer have to worry about what’s in their water when they turn on the tap.”
The EPA’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding allowed the Connecticut Department of Public Health to allot the City of New London a $6.949 million loan, including $4.378 million in principal forgiveness.
This funding will help replace approximately 150 lead service lines, with this phase of the project being halfway complete thus far, as well as complete the city’s lead service line inventory.
Lead exposure can result in brain damage and other developmental disabilities, especially for young children exposed to it.
New London is also one of ten Connecticut communities selected for the Lead Service Line Accelerator program. This program provides targeted technical assistance services to help underserved communities access funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Assistance includes developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, and increasing community outreach and education efforts.
Connecticut is one of the first four states to be selected for the program and will help develop best practices and creative approaches that can serve as a roadmap to the rest of the country, according to a statement.