Town Gets State Help on Water Treatment Funding

Tuesday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that more than $1.4 billion in low-interest-rate loans and grants will fund 168 projects across the Commonwealth designed to improve water quality, upgrade or replace aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and promote energy efficiency measures at water treatment facilities. Franklin was a beneficiary, receiving funding on a $25 million dollar project for the Hayward Street Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

According to Douglas Martin, the Town’s water & sewer superintendent, the project involves replacement of the existing Fisher Street (Hayward Street) WTP membrane cartridge system before the estimated end of cartridge life (2025) which could lead to WTP failure or loss of services. “This replacement will improve the system reliability and WTP safety of operations,” said Martin.

The Project includes demolition of the existing membrane system, WTP building modifications and installation of a new pressurized media filtration system for iron and manganese removal, similar to the system in the Grove Street Water Treatment Plant. The project also includes building a PFAS treatment addition to the existing WTP to house GAC vessels.

“The Project will allow for consistent and reliable treatment to reduce iron and manganese for Well numbers 1, 2, 2a, and 2b as well as to provide for safer operating conditions and wide availability of spare parts,” said Martin. Consistency between the existing Grove Street WTP and the improved Fisher Street WTP will also provide operational familiarity and opportunities for optimized equipment maintenance, Martin believes. The 30% Design estimated Construction Cost is $25,696,000.00. “The design is ongoing and we are looking for ways to reduce the cost,” he added.

The DWSRF funding for state loan assistance that was announced today is similar to the Beaver Street Interceptor and Project. Franklin is a Housing Choice community so we are eligible for a 0.5% reduction in the loan interest rate. In addition, depending on availability of funds PFAS remediation projects are also available for 0% financing, Martin explained.

DWSRF funding is a mixture of state and federal funding. The specifics regarding the financing and funding are included in the IUP announcement,” he said (details, here).

“This [the whole statewide package] is a substantial investment in our communities that will increase the availability of safe, clean drinking water and ensure the proper disposal of wastewater,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These vital water and sewer projects will boost the quality of life for our residents, protect the environment, and foster economic development and job growth across Massachusetts.”

Projects were selected through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) process administered by the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust – a joint effort of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the Executive Office of Administration and Finance (ANF), and the State Treasurer’s Office. The SRF has provided more than $8.6 billion to Massachusetts communities and water suppliers for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure improvements.

The latest round of funding supports 49 clean water construction projects totaling approximately $932 million and 50 drinking water construction projects totaling approximately $503 million. An additional $8 million will be offered as grants for 69 Asset Management Planning projects. These initiatives will help address issues increasingly confronting municipalities, including PFAS contamination, elevated lead levels in drinking water, and failed septic systems.

MassDEP will open the next SRF solicitation for proposals by May 15, 2024.

More information on the State Revolving Fund programs can be found on MassDEP’s website.