$60 million sewer project approved to improve Cape Cod water quality

According to Cape Cod Times, $60 million has been approved for a sewer project to improve water quality in the Great Pond area of Falmouth, Mass. Great Pond is known as one of the town’s most polluted water bodies.

The funding was approved at a town meeting on Monday, with a majority of town council members greenlighting the Great Pond Phase 1 sewer project, which is set to go out to bid this summer, with work commencing in fall 2025, Cape Cod Times reported.

The $60 million in funding will go toward engineering, design and construction, including the sewer lines, the pump stations, and the force main to transport sewage to the town’s main treatment facility, as well as rehabilitation of the town’s existing northernmost open sand beds for treated wastewater discharge.

The plan calls for 70% of the cost to be covered by betterments, with the town paying the remaining 30%. An amendment proposed on town meeting floor sought to switch the distribution, so the town would cover 70% of the cost, instead. The idea was rejected, however, as officials pointed out previous sewer projects went forward with the same distribution.

Wastewater Superintendent Amy Lowell said the town expects to qualify for a 0% state revolving fund loan for $55.68 million, in addition to a potential principal forgiveness of 25% from the Cape and Island Water Protection Fund. The intent is to pay for the project with no increase in the property tax levy.

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