With a population just shy of 10,000, Putnam is getting a big chunk of federal funding to upgrade its water system, including a $4.8 million grant and $10.8 million loan.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal and 2nd District Rep. Joseph Courtney, both Democrats, recently announced the windfall.
The grant amounts to $500 per resident. Previously, Putnam received two other grants totaling $13.2 million – about $1,400 per resident – and a $4.55 million low-interest loan.
The latest batch of federal funding will pay for 43,000 feet of new water main and other repairs to the water system.
“I will continue to advocate for the wise use of federal funds for vital projects that keep user fees reasonable, reduce the need for ongoing, costly emergency maintenance and improve critical public services,” Blumenthal said.
“These funds are another step in bringing Putnam’s water system into the 21st century. Since 2009, I have worked with town officials to upgrade a system that has lines that are more than 100 years old,” Courtney said.
Last year, the federal government had a $680 billion deficit.