Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Drinking Water topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Drinking Water Committee urges prompt action to secure $3.6M PFAS funding for Bow Junction
Summary
The Drinking Water Protection Committee told the selectboard a state revolving loan offer of $3.6 million (including $1.5 million grant and $300,000 forgivable loan for emerging contaminants) is available to address PFAS in the Bow Junction area and urged the town to move quickly with Concord and regional partners to secure the funds.
The Bow Drinking Water Protection Committee urged the selectboard to pursue a state revolving loan-fund offer tied to PFAS contamination affecting the Bow Junction area, saying prompt action is necessary to capture grant and forgiveness components of the package.
Cindy Clemons, chair of the Drinking Water Protection Committee, told the board the offer totals about $3,600,000 and includes a $1,500,000 grant component related to emerging contaminants and a $300,000 loan forgiveness element. “So, essentially, we're getting $1,800,000 of free money because of the PFAS contamination,” Clemons said, arguing the award could disappear in future rounds if the town delays.
Clemons said the package also includes a low-interest balance that could be structured as a 20-year loan; the committee indicated the then-current rate in the example was about 4.12% for a 20-year term. She said the funding depends on Concord’s approval for the regional project and that Pembroke — which has its own PFAS award — is pressing the same partners. The committee recommended that any town grant application or funding request include an evaluation of current customer water rates, wholesale charges to Hooksett, and rates for Bow Junction customers.
The committee also reported on the group’s annual well-testing event (39 kits distributed, 25 returned) and follow-up work with NHDOT to limit salt application in wellhead protection areas. Committee members asked to be included in feasibility work and the town’s outreach to Concord so the opportunity is not missed.
Ending: The selectboard acknowledged the timing pressures on the offer and directed staff to continue engagement with Concord and regional partners and to include committee input on any application materials.
