TORRINGTON — The city has been awarded a $1.6 million grant to rebuild the essential sewer pumping station on Harris Drive, constructed in 1979. This facility is the most active of its kind, collecting wastewater from seven smaller stations in northern Torrington and channeling it to the main plant on South Main Street.
Flooding Issues Impacting Sewer Pumping Station
Frequent flooding has impaired the station’s functionality, often causing water to inundate both the interior and exterior of the small building. This building houses critical equipment, including drive shafts and a generator, that keeps the sewer system operational. The need for reconstruction is urgent to prevent a complete failure.
Ongoing Efforts to Maintain Operation
“We’ve seen water levels rise up to 18 inches outside and even higher inside the station,” said Ed Tousey, the sewer plant administrator. “We’ve tried everything from sandbags to berms, but it has never stopped pumping.”
Federal Grant to Improve Infrastructure
Ray Drew, Public Works Director, explained, “The $1.6 million is a congressionally directed grant, allowing us to apply through the federal government. It will significantly improve our infrastructure. This station is the largest, serving seven smaller ones, and it’s one of 14 across the city.”
Project Timeline and Funding
Currently in the design phase, the project is expected to commence construction within a year. The total project cost is estimated at $3.2 million, with the remaining funds sourced from the sewer plant’s budget.
Importance of Modernizing the Station
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal highlighted the importance of the grant, stating, “This station will be upgraded to modern standards. Its location below the floodplain made it a priority for funding when Torrington applied. Senator Chris Murphy and I advocated for this allocation because the need was clear.”
Environmental Benefits
Blumenthal emphasized the environmental benefits, noting that well-maintained sewer facilities prevent pollution in local rivers like the Naugatuck River, ultimately protecting Long Island Sound. “This funding will prevent costly spills and equipment failures,” he said. “It stops raw sewage from contaminating the river, which is crucial for the environment.”
Previous Federal Funding Success
This $1.6 million grant is the city’s second major federal funding award. The first, received in 2021, allocated $1.5 million from a federal Community Project Funding Grant to construct a $2.7 million regional animal control authority on Bogue Road, replacing an outdated facility from 1947. The new facility opened in 2023.
Acknowledging Community Support
“We are grateful for your advocacy,” Mayor Elinor Carbone told Blumenthal. “Our aging infrastructure needs this support.”
Announcement of the Grant
Tousey, alongside Senator Blumenthal, Mayor Carbone, facilities manager Jamie Sekora, Economic Development Administrator Richard Lopez, and Public Works Director Ray Drew, announced the grant outside the station on May 29.