FROM THE NEWSROOM: (UPDATE) After nearly five years of negotiation, Putnam’s Long Term Viability Committee reached an agreement, currently in draft form and under review by attorneys, with Wheelabrator to potentially double the remaining capacity of the existing Ash Landfill. Selectman and Chairman of the Viability Committee Scott Pempek tells WINY the ground lease – expected to double the landfills capacity from 4 million cubic yards to 8 million cubic yards – could potentially bring in $30 to 40 million in tax revenue to Putnam over the life of the contract, according to conservative estimates. However, Pempek acknowledged that because the contract outlines a blended and scaled rate, the exact revenue will depend significantly on how much material is disposed into the landfill each year; still, he predicts it will “help stabilize Putnams taxes for many years.” Putnam Mayor Tony Falzarano, who agreed this deal should prove beneficial to taxpayers, added that despite concerns about the state moving away from granting permits for ash landfills, he thinks the remaining ones in Connecticut will be grandfathered in and allowed to continue operating for decades, arguing that ash from towns and cities needs to be put somewhere. According to Pempek, the contract is a 20 year agreement with two 10 year extensions. The agreement will be presented to the Board of Selectman, Board of Finance before ultimately being brought before taxpayers.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 17:53:26 +0000
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