Commission hears updates on gas grant, sewer funding outreach and Holly Hill lift station startup

Commissioners received several project updates at the Sept. 18 Litchfield Utilities Commission meeting, including progress on a federal grant, outreach to a U.S. Senate office about sewer plant funding, and the initial startup of the Holly Hill lift station.

Commissioners said they took part in a Teams meeting with Shakira Mack of the U.S. Department of Transportation and Adam Scott to begin monthly check‑ins on the gas grant. Commission staff said the DOT contact had not expected the project to be as far along — staff reported a pre‑construction meeting had already taken place and that the commission had drawn some grant funds. Staff said future check‑ins are scheduled for 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month and will be used to report progress.

On the sewer plant project, the commission said Mayor Miller contacted Senator Mitch McConnell’s office and arranged a meeting with a Bowling Green staffer, identified as Whitaker, to explore whether the senator’s office can assist in securing a greater share of federal grant funding. The commission said it will meet with the senator’s Bowling Green staff to request additional federal grant support.

David, the superintendent, reported the Holly Hill lift station had its first startup at 9:00 a.m. the prior day. He said the new station is operational, old pumps will be removed and the old station filled, the road patching is done, and remaining yard work on the fire department side remains to be completed. The superintendent said the town hopes to accept turnover of the station in early October.