Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced this week that a $2.5 million grant from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will be used to build a fish bypass around the Tingue Dam on the Naugatuck River.
The project will help to restore access to 29 miles of habitat for American shad, alewife, blueback herring and American eel by constructing a passageway for fish around the Tingue Dam.
The state Department of Environmental Protection said construction is expected to start within 90 days of the award and will be completed within 18 months.
“Restoring and preserving these fragile ecosystems are a sound investment for our environment and the surrounding communities. Our rivers and coastline are irreplaceable natural resources,” Rell said in a prepared statement.
The project has been in the planning stages for years.
Read U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s announcement about the allocation here.
Click here for more details on the project.
State senators Dan Debicella and Rob Kane applauded the allocation.
“Gov. 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,” Debicella said.
