NORWICH – More than six years after City of Norwich officials first heard proposals for a new water filtration facility, the years-long project reached a monumental benchmark Monday with the announcement that the city has secured necessary funding to move it forward.

United States Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced Monday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program will award the City of Norwich a $5.02 million Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant for replacement of the 109-year-old water treatment facility currently in use on Rexford Street. According to a media release, a $4.02 million loan and $1 million grant will aid construction of a new facility below Plymouth Reservoir near state Route 23.

“This is a project we’ve been working on for quite a while. We’re very excited to be able to move forward,” said Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano. “We’re extremely appreciative of the help we’ve received from Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman (Richard) Hanna.”

The mayor also maintained that an updated water treatment facility could help attract business to the city further down the road.