$30K Grant Accepted for Little River Project

The North Hampton Select Board unanimously authorized the town Monday to accept to continue its work to mitigate bacteria and fecal matter issues along the Little River watershed.

Significant improvements have been made in identifying and correcting numerous human-related sources of contamination. Animal-related contamination and other issues still persist, though, and the $30,000 will cover the multi-faceted first phase of the project to address those problems, according to Fire Chief Dennis Cote.

"I just think this is really worthwhile to find out what’s going on, and the progress that’s been going on has been super and very necessary to that whole habitat that is up in that marsh," said Selectman Larry Miller.

Selectman Phil Wilson said he believes the town will "get this problem solved with the leadership we've got working on this."

All Little River contamination testing sites are now "well below" state-mandated maximum levels. The grant is roughly half of what was originally expected, and requires an in-kind and cash match of $23,195, which was also approved Monday.