A $35M water and sewer project is on Westport's ballot. Here's what it means for voters.
A project long in the works to extend water and sewer service across Westport will be on the annual Town Election ballot on April 9.
Voters will decide whether to exclude from Proposition 2½ the amount required to pay for the project. Though the ballot does not specify that amount, it is estimated to cost $35 million.
The project is "the trunkline of Westport's future sewer system,” according to the project's website. The water and sewer line would cross Westport from Fall River to Dartmouth following Route 6, with four pump stations along the way to deliver sewage for treatment at Fall River’s system.
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What do officials say are the benefits of the Westport water and sewer project?
More economic development: Building a sewer system along Route 6, the town’s main economic corridor, would make the area more attractive to large developers and increase the town's commercial tax base, according to the town’s master plan from 2016.
Swansea will soon be embarking on its town sewer system construction project – also on Route 6, also to reap the economic benefits of commercial development.
Better water quality: The project is intended to improve the quality of drinking water for residents in the Route 6 area; septic systems that are older, in poor condition or failing can contaminate the groundwater.
Less pollution: The project’s website notes also that the project would reduce pollution into the Westport River from septic systems.
How long has this project been planned?
The town’s 2016 Master Plan noted that not having sewer connections on Route 6 was a barrier to business development. In a 2020 interview, State Rep. Paul Schmid of Westport said that more than a decade ago, he served on a water and sewer committee that considered extending the water and sewer lines, and he estimated that those talks have been happening for at least three decades.
How far along is Westport's water and sewer project?
According to the project’s website, “as of March 2024, the project has reached 100% completion in terms of design, and the final permitting process is currently in progress. We expect to have all necessary permits by the end of May.”
Will this bring sewer service to all of Westport?
No – only to the area around Route 6. However, this project is considered the “spine” that could eventually extend sewer service to other parts of town.
Does the ballot question approve the money to pay for it?
Not quite. It is a Proposition 2½ exclusion vote. Proposition 2½ is the state law that limits how much a community can increase its tax levy every year. Excluding the debt from that limit would allow the town to raise money for the project.
If the vote passes, voters at the annual Town Meeting would be asked to approve articles to actually fund the project.
How much would Westport taxpayers have to pay to build the water and sewer project?
According to the website, the average homeowner would see an increase of about $250 in property taxes per year.
This doesn't count any fees that would arise if a homeowner within range of the sewer system chooses to connect to it.
How long would the project take to complete?
If the project is approved and funded at the annual Town Meeting, construction would begin in the fall and last about three years.
When is Westport's Town Election?
The election is set for April 9. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where can I learn more about the project?
The town's website at westport-ma.com contains more information, including plans and all public documents pertaining to the project.
Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Westport Route 6 water and sewer project on town ballot April 9
