Ritchie Announces Interest-Free Loan to Help Get Route 12 Water Project Off the Ground

Builds Upon $100,000 Secured by Senator Ritchie to Help Cover Costs

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced the Town of Orleans will be eligible for an interest-free loan to construct a water system that will provide clean drinking water and spur job growth by rectifying a contamination problem that has plagued residents and businesses along Route 12 in the Towns of Alexandria and Orleans for decades. In addition to the loan—which will be provided by the Environmental Facilities Corporation—Senator Ritchie previously informed Town of Orleans officials she requested $100,000 in special funding to help cover project costs. 

“For many, many years, residents along Route 12, as well as businesses have been affected by salt that has seeped into their wells,” said Senator Ritchie. “At the same time, local officials have struggled to attract new businesses and create jobs due to the lack of clean and safe water.”

“Today’s word that the Town of Orleans will be eligible for an interest-free loan to construct a new water system is a positive next step that will enable this project to get off the ground as we continue to seek out ways to lessen the cost of this critical project.  Not only will it resolve the issue of contaminated water, it will also open the region up to new opportunities for economic development and job creation.”

Since first being made aware of the issue of water contamination along Route 12, Senator Ritchie has made it a priority to find a solution to provide both safe and clean drinking water to residents and businesses; pressing state officials to  help the community, working with local officials and reaching out to affected residents to help solve the problem.