As the Block Island Water Company prepares for an upcoming vote on securing a bond for a $2.3 million water main project, Supt. John Breunig said that paperwork has been filed with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to help secure some grant money to pay for some of the cost.
“The USDA application has been submitted, which is exciting,” said Breunig. “Things are looking good for our timeline.” Breunig said that after the application had been filed, the USDA asked for additional documents, as well as changes to submitted documents, and other clarifications. Despite that, Breunig said the project was still on track. The USDA grant will cover about 45 percent of the total cost of the project, or about $1 million.
The Water Commission had recommended, and the Town Council approved, a warrant for a Special Town Meeting on Monday, March 23. Voters will be asked two questions at that meeting: to approve bonding authority for the Payne Road/High Street water main project, and to approve paying for 25 percent of the loan portion of the project — the remaining $1.3 million if the USDA grant monies come through. If
