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.