SOUTHWICK – Several State and Local officials got together in Southwick on Thursday afternoon to discuss the importance of Congamond Lake.
Taking place at the Public Boat Ramp for Congamond Lake, the officials first went on a boat tour of the lake, looking at all areas of the body of water and what it has to offer.
Mattew Beaton, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, made the trip and it was his first experience on the lake.
“I’m happy to come out and see it,” said Beaton. “To be able to come out and see it first-hand gives a different perspective.”
Beaton was met by several local officials as they discussed the importance of Congamond Lake and the possibility of helping improve the overall aspects of the lake for the near future.
Sen. Don Humason and Rep. Nick Boldyga were present to represent their district. Southwick Select Board Chairman Russ Fox was there along with a few other town officials. Southwick resident John Whalley, who is a strong advocate for preserving North Pond on Congamond Lake, was also at the event.
As it was Secretary Beaton’s first time at Congamond Lake, he is certainly not unfamiliar with Sen. Humason and Rep. Boldyga. All three individuals were in the House of Rep. together in the past.
From left to right: Rep. Nick Boldyga, Secretary of Environmental Affairs William Beaton, Select Board Chairman Russ Fox, Save North Pond advocate John Whalley, and Sen. Don Humason all went on a boat tour of Congamond Lake on Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
With Congamond Lake being such an important part to the community of Southwick, having the opportunity to show an official at the state level has the potential to be that much more impactful.
“It’s both a honor and a privilege to be able to show him our district,” said Humason. “It’s also really helpful in keeping the communications lines open.”
“It’s phenomenal to get the secretary out here to really show him that this is part of our aquifer here in Southwick,” said Boldyga.
Congamond Lake also provides drinking water to Westfield and West Springfield. The Save North Pond project consists of saving the North Pond land as several members of the Southwick community have made strong efforts to raise $5 million in less than a year.
As there are a number of things that Congamond Lake offers to Southwick, officials at the local and state levels will be looking to move progress forward and make improving Congamond Lake a priority for this district.
“When everybody realizes that we have such an opportunity like this, everybody’s focused on working together,” said Boldyga.
Secretary Beaton does indeed believe that progress will be moving forward with the help of Sen. Humason and Rep. Boldyga.
“We have a great working relationship so I think we’re going to continue to keep the dialogue going on this.”
