NH Delegation Welcomes $6.1M to Update Newport Wastewater Facility to Address Pollution & Health Risks
(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) applauded $6,164,000 heading to Newport to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility that serves nearly 2,000 people. This project is essential to stem pollution that could pose health risks to the town and communities downstream along the Sugar River. Attempts to mitigate this pollution have been unsuccessful over the last decade, and this funding will ensure a comprehensive system upgrade to meet treatment requirements.
This project is funded through the Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is also providing a $9,999,000 low-interest loan. Additional funding needed to complete the project was awarded through congressionally directed spending – which Senator Shaheen secured as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – as well as through the American Rescue Plan and the Clean Water State Revolving Loan fund, both of which are supported by the delegation.
“For the thousands of Granite Staters living along the Sugar River, there have been serious health and sanitary concerns stemming from the Newport wastewater treatment facility for a decade. This award puts an end to that by completing a comprehensive system upgrade at the Newport facility. I helped secure this $6.1 million award because I’m committed to improving water quality for every Granite Stater – regardless of zip code,” said Senator Shaheen. “Addressing water pollution across New Hampshire has long been a top priority of mine – that’s why I led key water infrastructure negotiations in the bipartisan infrastructure law. I’ll continue to prioritize resources for rural communities across the state to ensure a healthy environment.”
“Safe, clean water is crucial to quality of life and overall wellbeing, which is why I am glad to announce federal funding to make upgrades to Newport’s waste water treatment facility,” said Senator Hassan. “This is an investment that will mitigate health risks and help the entire town thrive. This type of progress is part of why I worked to pass the American Rescue Plan, and I will continue working to improve essential infrastructure in our local communities.”
“Upgrading our state’s rural infrastructure is key to ensuring the continued health and well-being of our communities,” said Rep. Kuster, a member of the House Agriculture Committee. “I am pleased to see these resources heading to Newport to upgrade the wastewater treatment facility and better serve the needs of Newport residents and protect the surrounding environment. I will continue working to deliver for our state and ensure it remains a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”
“Having modern infrastructure is a necessity for New Hampshire communities,” said Rep. Pappas. “These funds will update aging wastewater infrastructure, protect our environment, and improve the quality of life in the region. I’ll keep fighting to support water infrastructure projects across the state to invest in our future.”
As a core negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law, Shaheen spearheaded the water infrastructure provisions with Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT). Last year, Shaheen, Hassan, Kuster and Pappas announced more than $72 million in federal funds for New Hampshire from the EPA to improve the state’s drinking water and wastewater systems. In addition, as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Shaheen helped secure investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure for New Hampshire in government funding legislation recently signed into law. Congress provided $1.638 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRFs) and $1.126 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund through the fiscal year 2022 government funding bill.
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