The City of Norwich is likely to receive more than $2.8 million in federal funds to replace downtown water lines that have been in use since 1881. (Photo by Dustin Genter)

NORWICH – The City of Norwich is in the running for a federal cash boost of $2.85 million to upgrade water lines in the heart of its business district.

The likelihood of funding, announced by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney on Wednesday, will allow the city to move ahead with a major water main restoration project and replace the 140-year-old lines currently used in the areas of South Broad and East Main streets.

“We’re very excited about this possibility,” said Norwich Mayor Brian Doliver, noting that city officials have been in regular contact with Tenney’s office as well as advocating for federal funds with the offices of U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer.

Norwich is just one of 14 projects selected by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee to be added to the 2023 Community Project Funding (CPF) budget. More than $27 million in federal funds were earmarked for projects in New York’s 22nd Congressional District, including projects in Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Broome, Herkimer, Oswego, and Tioga counties.

With Wednesday’s announcement of anticipated capital, Norwich's months-long funding request process is now one step closer to fruition.

“I really want to thank our community development director, Erik Scrivener, for all his hard work on this project,” said Doliver.

The federal CPF process favors high-priority community projects for localities and nonprofit organizations, bypassing the ordinary federal grant process which typically favors cities and metropolitan areas.

More than 100 funding requests were submitted from all over New York’s 22nd Congressional District. Projects getting Tenney's support fall into one of three categories: water infrastructure improvements; research and economic development; and health care services and public safety. Tenney’s office looks at a range of factors for final submissions, including a demonstration of community support and how well they fit with the terms of the available federal funding programs.

Tenney’s office will work closely with recipients for any award that may be given to ensure federal funds are spent appropriately.

Last year, 10 projects from the 22nd Congressional District were endorsed by Congresswoman Tenny, eight of which (totaling more than $12 million) were approved in the final CPF spending bill.