Spencer, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Spencer Town Administrator Jeffrey Bridges to announce $960,000 in federal funding for the Town of Spencer’s sewer collection systems.
This allocation was made possible through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2024 spending bill that was signed into law by President Biden on March 9, 2024. Funding for this project has been obligated.
“As congressional authority continues to come under attack, today’s announcement is an important reminder of where the power of the purse lies, and that is with Congress. This is certainly a worthwhile investment, one that will ensure families, businesses, and residents in Spencer continue to have access to safe, reliable water,” said Congressman Neal. “Having helped draft the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I am pleased that Massachusetts received more than $500 million to provide clean and safe water by improving water infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth. Investments like the one being announced today will further enhance our efforts in communities like Spencer, helping modernize aging systems and safeguard both the public health and the local environment.”
The Town of Spencer’s sewer collection systems transport wastewater away from homes, businesses, and other facilities to treatment plants for processing and disposal, helping to prevent the spread of diseases and other health hazards. In 2018, the town developed an Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) Control Plan as part of a comprehensive strategy to identify and reduce I/I in sewer collection systems. Funding secured by Congressman Neal will help address priority areas in need of upgrades throughout the town’s sewer collection system, ensuring the long-term protection of public health and the local environment.
“We sincerely appreciate the support of Congressman Neal and his securing of these funds for critical repairs and improvements to the Town’s sewer system,” said Spencer Town Administrator Jeffrey Bridges.”These improvements are necessary for the progress and future success of the community. Without this grant, the repairs would be delayed indefinitely to the detriment of the community.”
Under guidelines issued by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, members of Congress requested CDS funding for projects in their state for Fiscal Year 2024. CDS requests were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments, and eligible non-profit entities, were permitted to receive CDS funding.
###
