Council approves application for $2M state grant toward Kenosha well field PFAS upgrades; project estimated at $7.6M

The Danbury City Council voted July 7 to authorize applying for a $2,000,000 State Drinking Water Revolving Fund grant to pay for PCE and PFAS treatment upgrades at the Kenosha well field.

David Day, Superintendent of Public Utilities, told the council the estimated project cost is $7,600,000 and that the $2,000,000 grant is the maximum standalone grant available for this type of project. Day said the remaining approximately $5.6 million would be funded by a 20‑year loan at an expected 2% interest rate. Council members asked whether the grant would cover the total project cost and what additional funding would be pursued; Day replied the grant applies only to the well‑field treatment scope and broader treatment-plant upgrades are still under study.

Council discussion included whether the balance would be financed through loans or whether the city would seek additional grants. Council approved the resolution authorizing the application and delegating authority to file and execute funding agreements if the application is successful.

Next steps: City staff will submit the grant application and, if the award is made, proceed with project financing and design steps consistent with the funding agreement requirements.