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May 31, 2006 - Last week, Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) pressed for funding that benefits Blackstone to be included in the Senate’s budget for fiscal year 2007. The Senate budget provides $15,000 to the town for expenses incurred in response to the contamination of the town’s water supply in March 2006. Funds will cover costs associated with providing police and fire overtime as well as the cost of providing bottled water to residents in the immediate aftermath of the contamination.
“The vandalism at the Blackstone water supply tank affected many people and businesses in this community. I am relieved the Senate approved these much-needed funds to aid the town in dealing with the costs so residents will not have to pay for all the damages,” said Senator Moore. “This is the same amount that was approved in the House budget, so it is likely to be included in the final version sent to the governor.”
In March, two teenagers broke into a water facility in Blackstone and contaminated the water supply. To deter future acts of vandalism, Senator Moore pushed for the passage of important legislation that will further protect public water supplies in the Commonwealth.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) seeks to toughen penalties for the act of trespassing with the intent to pollute on posted water supply lands and facilities. It also provides more severe penalties for repeat offenders and for tampering with water supplies and equipment. In addition, the bill authorizes the courts to order restitution to a water supplier or community to pay for water quality testing, investigation of trespassing and tampering incidents, and damage to equipment.
For more information on the FY 2007 Senate budget or Senator Moore’s work in the Senate, log onto Senator Moore’s website at
www.senatormoore.com/budget
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