The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Group seeks grant from DEP to help Togus Pond

May 08, 2007 - City councilors Monday agreed to help property owners around Togus Pond apply for grants from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to help improve water quality in the lake.

Patten Williams, president of the local lake association, said the city's participation was crucial in applying for what he estimated could be $70,000 to $100,000 in grants to improve private roads around the lake, because only music municipalities and certain nonprofit organizations are eligible for the funds.

"It was critical," Williams said. "It would not happen" without the city's willingness to step forward and apply for and administer the funds.

The City Council unanimously approved an order to act on behalf of the Togus Pond landowners to help secure the grant.

Williams said the money will not go to his association but will be parceled out to individual road associations and a few private landowners around what is known popularly as Togus Pond.

The grant would pay for about 60% of the work, Williams said. Association members will provide matching money is well as volunteer labor on a variety of projects included in the proposal.

Many of the water quality problems identified around the lake are linked to run off from dirt roads, he said.

City manager William Bridgeo said Togus Pond water quality is important to local property owners, the city and public recreation uses.

The agreement with the Association for help with the administration of the grant application does not violate a controversial policy adopted about two years ago which prohibits the city from maintaining private roads, Bridgeo said, but he does recognize the importance to the city of preserving the lake's quality.

Bridgeo said the city will contribute about $4000 in administrative services and some services of the city engineer, and may offer some materials from the city's gravel pit.

"We're not talking about one or two property owners, were talking about a pretty large association that does a lot of good for the pond and the city," Bridgeo said.

The agreement meets the terms of the city and state law and does not set precedents that would undermine city policies regarding maintenance of private roads.

"One of the best products of these efforts has been a better relationship between the city and the Pond Association," Williams said.


This article appeared in its original form in the Kennebec Journal May 8, 2007


Lakes: Togus Pond
Regions: Belgrade


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News