Cornwall requests release of HUD funds for sewer project

WEST CORNWALL — The Town of Cornwall has reached a new milestone in the multi-year effort to construct a wastewater facility.

At a regular meeting Tuesday, July 15, the Board of Selectmen moved forward with a formal request to Housing and Urban Development for the release of funds.

HUD has approved $3 million for the project, which accounts for roughly half of the estimated cost of $6.25 million. Cornwall will not receive a lump sum, rather, as First Selectman Gordon Ridgway explained, the town will become eligible to be reimbursed for costs. “Like a line of credit,” Ridgway said.

The first bill to come due is expected to be for design of the facility. After a round of interviews with engineering firms in July, the Wastewater Management Project in West Cornwall Village Construction Committee narrowed the pool down to two qualified companies. Detailed proposals from each firm are due in August.

“Big step forward,” said Selectman Rocco Botto. “Good news.”

CVFD Update

Recognizing the diligent efforts of volunteer firefighters, the Board of Selectmen motioned to increase the annual incentive amount for the most active responders.

Volunteers answering the most calls will receive a $1,500 bonus. Average responders will receive the base rate of $1,000 and administrative members will receive $500.

Latest News

North Canaan Santa Chase 5K draws festive crowd

Runners line up at the starting line alongside Santa before the start of the 5th Annual North Canaan Santa Chase 5K on Saturday, Dec. 13.

By John Coston

NORTH CANAAN — Forty-eight runners braved frigid temperatures to participate in the 5th Annual North Canaan Santa Chase 5K Road Race on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Michael Mills, 45, of Goshen, led the pack with a time of 19 minutes, 15-seconds, averaging a 6:12-per-mile pace. Mills won the race for the third time and said he stays in shape by running with his daughter, a freshman at Lakeview High School in Litchfield.

Keep ReadingShow less
Regional trash authority awarded $350,000 grant to expand operations

The Torrington Transfer Station, where the Northwest Resource Recovery Authority plans to expand operations using a $350,000 state grant.

By Riley Klein

TORRINGTON — The Northwest Resource Recovery Authority, a public entity formed this year to preserve municipal control over trash and recycling services in northwest Connecticut, has been awarded $350,000 in grant funds to develop and expand its operations.

The funding comes from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection via its Sustainable Materials Management grant program. It is intended to help the NRRA establish operations at the Torrington Transfer Station as well as support regional education, transportation, hauler registration and partnerships with other authorities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28
Ski jump camp for kids returns Dec. 27, 28
Photo provided

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) will host its annual Junior Jump Camp, a two-day introduction to ski jumping, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill in Salisbury.

The camp is open to children ages 7 and up and focuses on teaching the basics of ski jumping, with an emphasis on safety, balance and control, using SWSA’s smallest hill. No prior experience is required.

Keep ReadingShow less
Six newly elected leaders join Northwest Hills Council of Governments

Jesse Bunce, first selectman of North Canaan.

Photo provided

LITCHFIELD — The Northwest Hills Council of Governments welcomed six newly elected municipal leaders Thursday, Dec. 11, at its first meeting following the 2025 municipal elections.

The council — a regional planning body representing 21 towns in northwest Connecticut — coordinates transportation, emergency planning, housing, economic development and other shared municipal services.

Keep ReadingShow less