Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Watershed Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town hears Winnipesaukee River Basin progress, WWAC outreach plans and lake-hosting grant
Summary
Meredith staff reported that HB1435 to lower WRBP replacement fund from 5% to 2% has passed both chambers and been sent to the governor; WWAC previewed outreach and a $2,400 NHLakes lake-hosting grant for Memorial Day weekend outreach and an NHDES site walk to follow a CWSRF planning grant.
Town water staff and volunteer watershed members updated the Select Board on basin and lake-protection activity on April 13. Water/Sewer Superintendent Jason Bordeau said bills in the New Hampshire legislature have advanced: HB1435 (cutting the WRBP replacement fund from 5% to 2%) passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting the governor’s action; an amendment to SB592 to create a study commission on WRBP ownership had passed the Senate and was in House committee.
Donna Murphy, speaking for the Waukewan Watershed Advisory Committee, listed ongoing outreach and grant-supported work: lake-hosting beginning on Memorial Day weekend supported by an NHLakes $2,400 grant, joint outreach with local lake committees, attendance at NHDES source-water and NHLakes conferences, and an approaching site walk focused on the Waukewan boat ramp to inform engineering and grant applications. Murphy told the board, “WWAC hit the ground running in 2026,” and stressed multi-town coordination and local volunteer support.
Superintendent Bordeau also said several basin gates are not functioning and that the WRBP declined responsibility for repairs, meaning towns will need to budget for gate replacement; he will get cost estimates and expects late-summer work if authorized.
The board noted available town water-quality funds and encouraged WWAC to proceed with planning and grant applications; staff will report back with cost estimates for gate work and any grant opportunities.
