River‑restoration project seeks multiple federal and state funding sources; state bond authorization anticipated

NVCOG staff updated the board on the North‑Branch dam removal and related sediment management work and said they are pursuing multiple federal and state funding sources to advance the project.

Aaron (project staff) told the board that consultants are conducting lidar and bathymetry data collection and that EPA is expected to send a crew in mid to late summer to gather sediment data needed to prepare a sediment management plan. "That sediment management plan is really gonna determine what we can and can't do with the dam removal, and it's really gonna drive the cost as well," Aaron said.

Staff said two federal grant applications were submitted to NOAA requesting about $18 million, and they have resubmitted congressionally directed spending requests of just over $10 million. With Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection support, staff reported they are pursuing state bond funds to backstop the project and that a $20 million authorization is being anticipated in the state bond package to help match federal awards. Board members and staff described meetings with the governor's office and bonding subcommittee members and reported bipartisan letters of support from legislative delegations.

NVCOG staff said the work and costs are contingent on the sediment assessment outcome and that state bond authorization would help leverage additional federal funds. Staff also reminded the board of a community meeting schedule in Ansonia and Seymour to keep residents engaged while design and permitting proceed.

No formal board action was taken at the meeting; staff requested the update and said they would return with grant‑specific actions as awards or obligations were confirmed.