Grant to Benefit Low Income Households in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

OLD SAYBROOK - While financial assistance is available to qualified residents to have their septic tanks pumped out every four years, no assistance is available for those who need to have their undersized and aging septic tanks replaced.

For many residents living paycheck to paycheck, their obsolete septic tanks force them to use laundromats and public restrooms to prevent, or at least delay, problems.

Governor M. Jodi Rell's office recently announced that Old Saybrook will receive $300,000 in Small Cities funds to provide deferred payment loans to repair defective and/or failing septic systems for approximately 25 homes.

First Selectman Michael Pace has indicated that the funding will further help implement the town-wide sewer avoidance program.

Board of Selectmen Executive Assistant Roland Laine said it could take three to six months for the money to get into the hands of eligible residents.

Laine said for Small Cities funds, the state creates a contract which must be signed by the First Selectman, a representative from the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Connecticut Attorney General.

It is possible, Laine said, that a motion could be passed at the Feb. 21 Board of Selectmen meeting to allow Pace to sign off on the contract.

While Small Cities funds are typically used for home improvement tasks and housing projects, Pace believed this would be a better use of the money.

Pace has indicated that individuals and families of two with an annual income of approximately $40,000 or less and households with families of four with $60,000 or less would be eligible to apply for these funds.

Those residents can apply for this interest-free financing no matter what section of town they live in.

They are not required to pay back the loan until they sell or transfer their property but can voluntarily pay back the money in installments.

Social Services Coordinator Joanne Messner, from the Old Saybrook Department of Social Services, feels the funds are sorely needed for some residents.

"Many are oblivious to the fact that we do, indeed, have pockets of poverty and near-poverty in Old Saybrook. People are often shocked to learn I work with between 175-200 households annually," Messner wrote, adding that her agency would provide assistance in screening and qualifying potential applicants.

The department will keep the identities of those applying for the grant confidential.

Problems that can occur as a result of a failed septic system include the possibility of substances seeping into the ground, coming up into the yard or house, or affecting the well water supply.