State Senators Dan Debicella (R-21) and Rob Kane (R-32) today expressed their appreciation for a $2.5 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that will be used to build a fish bypass around the Tingue Dam on the Naugatuck River in Seymour.
Governor M. Jodi Rell recently announced the Tingue Dam project grant as part of $4 million in federal stimulus funds that have been approved for environmental projects along the Naugatuck River and Connecticut’s shoreline. According to the Governor’s office, the Tingue Dam project will help restore access to 29 miles of essential habitat for American shad, alewife, blueback herring and American eel. The passageway around the Tingue Dam will remove an in-stream barrier to diadromodous fish – fish that move between salt and freshwater. According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, construction is expected to start within 90 days of the award and be completed within 18 months.
“Governor Rell is absolutely right in saying that restoring fragile ecosystems is a sound investment in protecting our environment. The awarding of this federal grant is excellent news for Seymour and area communities along the Naugatuck River,” said Senator Debicella.
“This grant is an investment in the future. Protecting and preserving our natural resources will help ensure a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren. I agree that the decision to award this federal grant is excellent news for Seymour and the surrounding communities,” said Senator Kane.
For more information on stimulus projects in Connecticut visit www.ct.gov and click the CT Recovery link.
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