Simsbury Officials Satisfied with UConn Deadline Extension

Simsbury town officials say they are pleased with the University of Conn. decision to extend the public comment deadline on a proposal to divert water from the Farmington Valley to supplement the usage needs of the town of Mansfield and the university.

Last week, UConn officials agreed to extend the deadline for public comment to Jan. 4, 2013. The original deadline was Dec. 21 and the extension was granted following a letter sent by Simsbury officials in response to the proposed diversion of 1.93 million gallons of water each day from the Farmington River basin.

Canton officials also drafted a letter opposing the MDC proposal earlier this week and officials expressed concerns about the impact the diversion would have on the Farmington Valley.

Simsbury officials also requested a public hearing to be scheduled in the Farmington Valley in order to provide residents an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the project.

"We had hoped to have the opportunity to conduct a public hearing," First Selectman Mary Glassman said. "The extension does provide us more time to make the public more aware."

Glassman said the town has been in communication with Gov. Dannel Malloy's office, Congressman Esty, and other state legislators regarding the MDC proposal. Town officials will also continue to answer resident questions and attempt to raise public awareness.

Residents who would like to express their opinions on the proposal can send letters to the University of Conn. until Jan. 4. Address information can be found here.

The Farmington River Watershed Association was gathering signatures on a petition against the project but has since suspended the petition, according to the FRWA website.