BOSTON – In an ongoing effort to assist with repairing and improving the dam at Stiles Reservoir, Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) and Senator Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer) announced that $1.8 million has been included within the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Budget Plan to help bring the dam repair project to fruition.
In 2014, Sen. Moore and Sen. Gobi successfully advocated for the authorization of $2 million in an Environmental Bond Bill to assist with repairing structural deteriorations to the dam wall. Public health and safety risks are some of the issues posed by the current condition of the wall. With the help of both Senators, approximately $200,000 has already been released to assist with project engineering and planning expenses.
Over the course of the last several months, Sen. Moore and Sen. Gobi have been actively working with Commissioners from the Stiles Lake Water District, and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, to release the remaining funds for reconstruction of the dam. Residents of the Stiles Lake Water District are also currently moving forward with identifying a contractor and completing all of the necessary permits and final approvals to move the project toward being shovel ready.
“Having heard from many local residents who are concerned about the deteriorating condition of the dam, I am glad that Senator Gobi and I could deliver a legislative response that meets the needs of the community,” said Sen. Moore. “Now that we have confidence in knowing that the finances are available in Fiscal Year 2017, we look forward to working with the Administration to help facilitate the timely release of this much-need funding.”
“As Chair of the Environment Committee, I was able to include this project in the Environmental Bond Bill and was happy to work with Senator Moore and our House colleagues to make sure these funds were still available,” said Sen. Gobi. “Stiles Reservoir is a precious natural resource that is enjoyed by both lake residents and residents of the surrounding communities. I will continue to work with the delegation to assure that these funds are disbursed to the water district.”