Milton holds workshops on water projects
Milton officials are making their pitch to voters, asking them to support an $895,000 referendum for two water infrastructure projects.
Town officials held the first of four public workshops May 10 to lay out the projects, which include installing a new water main to serve the Wagamon's West Shores development, and a new well and building a new water treatment facility near Shipbuilder's Village. Following the workshops, town council will hold a public hearing Monday, June 4, before holding a public referendum Saturday, July 21.
Public Works Director Greg Wingo said the projects are part of a five- to seven-year capital improvement plan to improve the town's water infrastructure. The Wagamon's project, estimated to cost $395,000, involves installing 1,600 feet of 10-inch water main from Federal Street to connect with Wagamon's West Shores. Wingo said the project will improve water flow to fire hydrants, improve water quality and provide a safeguard for Wagamon's West Shore in case of a water main break.
The Shipbuilder's project, estimated to cost $500,000, would tap a new well outside the floodplain and build a new treatment facility near the current water tower. Wingo said this project will improve the water system's operational efficiency and locating a well out of a potential flood area.
Town Manager Kristy Rogers said the state Water Infrastructure Advisory Council has preapproved a 20-year loan at 2 percent interest for the projects. However, voter approval at referendum is required before the town can begin construction. Debt service on the loan, per household, is $2.75 per month, or less than one cent per day, Rogers said.
Wingo said the cost is minimal for what should be a big improvement for everyone. Councilman Sam Garde said, "A new well and treatment facility will benefit every person in this town."
These two projects were chosen, Garde said, because the need is immediate, the cost is not too high and the town does not have to acquire land to build them.
Wingo said following these two projects, the town hopes to replace water mains on Atlantic and Bay avenues, Chestnut Street and in the area of Route 16, Atlantic Street and Orchard Road.
Mayor Ted Kanakos said these new mains, plus the main at Wagamon's West Shores, would give the town needed infrastructure in case of future annexations. These two improvements, he said, are a step toward improving Milton's water system.
"These pipes are important for our future. That's what we're doing, building for our future," Kanakos said.
While town officials emphasized the project's benefit for all, homeowners in Wagamon's West Shores were excited for what the project will do for their neighborhood.
Maria Webb said, "When the water mains break, we don't have water for six to eight hours. We'll be really happy to have water but also cleaner water."
Webb said the last break was last year for about eight hours. "If we had the loop, we'd still have water," she said. "Plus I think it will be good to have a treatment facility that's out of the floodplain."
The town will hold additional public workshops at 6 p.m., Monday, May 21, and 11 a.m., Saturday, June 2, both at Milton library.
