East Lyme Voters Approve More Than $5.3 Million In Bonding For PFAS, Capital Projects

EAST LYME, CT — Residents attending a special town meeting on July 1 unanimously approved more than $5.3 million in bonding for PFAS treatment facility design work, municipal capital improvements and Board of Education capital projects.

The meeting, moderated by Marc Salerno at East Lyme Town Hall, approved four separate bonding resolutions after receiving recommendations from the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.

Voters first approved a $372,000 appropriation to design a PFAS removal facility adjacent to the existing Well 1A/6 water treatment plant. First Selectman Dan Cunningham said the project covers the design phase of a treatment system that will filter PFAS compounds from the town's drinking water.

A second motion authorized an additional $378,000 for the design of a PFAS removal facility at Well 4A. Cunningham said the proposal is similar to the first design project but would serve a different municipal well. Both bonding resolutions passed by voice vote.

Residents also approved $3,974,425 in bonding for a variety of municipal capital improvements. Cunningham said the package includes funding for a townwide radio system, a five-year information technology improvement plan, a police vehicle, police tactical team equipment, fire apparatus, bridge and paving projects, a loader for the transfer station, heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades at the Community Center, a new Parks and Recreation mower and other municipal projects.

The meeting concluded by approving $586,701 in bonding for Board of Education capital improvements. Cunningham said the funding will support school HVAC projects, technology improvements and insurance-related expenses.

All five motions presented during the meeting, including adjournment, were approved by voice vote. The special town meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.