June 26, 2019

Bonding Commission Approves Allocation for Sucker Brook Dam

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HARTFORD – State Rep. Jay Case (R-Winsted) and State Sen. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) applauded the action of the State Bond Commission on Wednesday morning, which allocated an $800,000 bond authorization for the repairs and flood management needs at Sucker Brook Dam on Highland Lake in Winsted.

About a year ago a plastic pipeline burst, shortly after it had been built into the dam, exacerbating drainage issues and heightening the possibility of uncontrolled floods. DEEP is the primary state agency that oversees operations and maintenance of the project, but the dam is also managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

“We had a meeting about a month ago to discuss the issues on the dam and how it has affected the residents living on the lake. Highland is one of the state’s largest lakes and we get a lot of recreational users on the weekends. It’s critical that we keep our waters clean so people in the Northwest Corner and across the state can enjoy it through the summer season,” said Rep. Case.

“We are grateful to the governor for his approval of this funding,” Sen. Miner said. “Highland Lake is tremendous regional recreational resource. This funding will allow for the reconstruction of a failed drainage system that, once completed, should restore an environmentally appropriate drainage system into Highland Lake. I want to thank Rep. Case for his consistent advocacy on the need to expedite these repairs. We spoke with one voice on behalf of northwestern Connecticut, and that teamwork produced positive results.”

“I want to thank Representative Case, Senator Miner, DEEP Commissioner Dykes, Governor Lamont, and the Bond Commission for securing the funds to fix a must needed repair at Sucker Brook Dam. Residents of Highland Lake and the watershed can be rest assured that the project will begin now that the funding has been secured,” said Beth Papermaster, the President of the Highland Lake Watershed Association.

Following the meeting that both Rep. Case and Sen. Miner facilitated, the two legislators had greater conversations with the governor’s office and DEEP to find funding that will expedite repairs at Sucker Brook Dam. Recognizing this as a critical project, area legislators worked with the governor’s office and DEEP to ensure the bonds were authorized as quickly as possible.

According to the Army Corps of Engineers, when Sucker Brook Dam is fully operational, it can store up to 482 million gallons of water for flood control purposes – an important safeguard to all residents and recreationalists that frequently use the lake.

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