Seacoastonline (Portsmouth, N.H.) – While the projects appear to meet the criteria for federal economic stimulus funds, the city’s water treatment plant and sewer separation plans are among more than 170 competing for approximately $58 million in water infrastructure aid.

Municipalities have until Friday to submit projects to the Department of Environmental Services. Gov. John Lynch and DES commissioner Thomas Burack recently urged communities to apply for the funds, which will be made available through the state’s clean water and drinking water state revolving fund programs.

As of Wednesday, New Hampshire communities had submitted 80 applications for wastewater projects and 90 for drinking water treatment projects, totaling over $300 million.

The state’s estimated allotment from the stimulus package is $39 million for wastewater and $19 million for drinking water. [read more…]