Town to make another push to have state release earmark for Middle Pond dredging project

Southwick officials are preparing another push to secure the release of a $500,000 state earmark for the Middle Pond dredging project on Congamond Lakes. At a Lake Management Committee meeting Thursday, Richard Grannells said a boat tour of Congamond is being organized with town officials, representatives from Sen. Paul Mark’s office and state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga’s office, and agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The earmark was previously secured last year to dredge a cove between Saunders Boat Livery’s docks and the south boat ramp. However, a pilot grant application in 2024 was rejected, and town leaders have since argued for the funds’ importance to the region. Depth issues at the ramp and the potential for dredging to reduce nutrient releases tied to phosphorus are key concerns.