Towns to Receive Grant for New Chipper

Durham and Middlefield have received preliminary approval for a $106,525 grant to help pay for a new chipper.

The money is being made available through the Intertown Capital Equipment program which is administered by the state's Office of Policy and Management.

Middlefield finance director Joe Geruch applied for the ICE grant earlier this year and recently received word that the town's application had been approved. The grant covers 30 percent of the cost of new equipment.

Although the Durham Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board (DMIAAB) has not announced specific details about the purchase a new chipper, the tub grinder currently in use at the transfer station is in need of replacement.

The tub grinder was used extensively during last year's storms and is more than 20 years old.

Geruch said DMIAAB is considering whether to lease or buy a new chipper.