At the Department of Public Health's Nov. 10 public hearing on the draft FY2026 Intended Use Plan, Douglas Arndt, superintendent of Southington Water Department, requested reinstatement of a previously listed SFY2025 project to replace water mains and lead goosenecks on Bristol Street and West Center Street.

Arndt said the project was included in the SFY2025 IUP and remains eligible for funding, including qualification for disadvantaged‑community assistance, but was not submitted for the SFY2026 cycle because of a temporary shift in the department's priorities. He said recent changes in the town made the work urgent: Southington is planning a major pavement restoration program on Bristol Street, the existing main is over 100 years old and lead goosenecks are present. "Proceeding with the paving prior to the water main replacement will result in future excavation of newly paved roadway, doubling costs, and creating community disruption," Arndt said. "Completing the water main replacement first is the only due prudent and cost effective path forward for both the water department and the town of Southington."

Arndt asked the Department to reinstate the project in the FY2026 IUP so the town can coordinate replacement work with the planned pavement program. Southington's written comments about the project were entered as a department exhibit and Arndt confirmed he had drafted and adopted those comments for the record. Department staff said all oral and written comments will be reviewed in preparing the final IUP; no decision on reinstatement was made at the hearing.