City seeks grants to help fund projects

NORWICH – The City of Norwich Police Department and the Department of Public Works plan to apply for grants that could cut taxes in the future.

During Tuesday night’s meeting of the City of Norwich Finance / Personnel Committee, Assistant Police Chief Dale Smith and City Finance Director William Roberts both informed the committee about grants they were applying for in order to find additional funding for city programs.

In order to minimize the $4.5 million cost for the upcoming Rotating Biological Contactor (RBCs) project at the City Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Department of Public Works is pursuing multiple grants. The RBCs are a critical part of the secondary treatment system. The equipment was damaged from years of use and from additional loads during the 2006 floods.

The cost of the project has increased $1 million in recent months, and the city has been working to find different ways to fund it. Roberts told the committee that after applying for a loan from USDA Rural Development, the city learned it is eligible for a grant for a portion of the cost.

“After completing the first stage of their decision, USDA determined we are eligible for a grant for $497,000,” Roberts said. While the amount only covers a portion of the cost, Roberts explained that it is a significant amount and would be of great help to the city. Although the grant has not been awarded yet, the probability that the city will receive it is very high. “We’re still continuing to look for every possible grant opportunity,” Roberts said, explaining that the city has also applied for an second grant that could provide an additional $150,000 for the project costs, and is still awaiting word on a low-interest loan through USDA.