Milton readies two new water projects

Milton officials are finalizing plans for two new projects to improve service and infrastructure.

First up is replacing water mains at Atlantic Avenue and along Chestnut Street from Front Street to Coulter Street. 

Public Works Director Greg Wingo told the town’s water committee Sept. 11 that after final review, the town will begin seeking funding sources within the next week or so, including with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While costs are not finalized, early estimates put the cost at about $1.2 million. Town officials have said the project could be subject to referendum. 

Wingo said there is more urgency on replacing a water main from Atlantic Street/Cave Neck Road to where it intersects with Front Street; the project would upgrade from a 4-inch pipe to an 8-inch pipe.

Wingo said the town has a first set of plans and he plans to present them, and an estimate, at council’s Monday, Oct. 7 meeting. Previously he estimated the project as costing a bit under $1 million. 

Wingo said the larger main is necessary for sufficient flow to the Cannery Village IV development. While developer Chestnut Properties II is responsible for the tie-ins, the town is legally obligated through town code to provide the infrastructure to serve the development. 

Two other water projects have been put on hold, Wingo said: An extension of the Cave Neck Road water main to Sam Lucas Road and an upgrade to the water treatment plant on Chandler Street. Wingo said town officials wish to focus on the Atlantic Street water main project and a new water treatment facility at Shipbuilder’s Village, respectively.

The Shipbuilder’s Village project, which is a new well and water treatment plant project, was approved for $500,000 in funding at a June 2018 referendum. While the town has bid out the new well for construction, the treatment plant has been delayed by design changes. Wingo said the design is being finalized.