Members of the Water Commission hope that town residents will offer some financial support for a water main replacement project they say is of vital importance to the entire island.
The High Street/Payne Road water main replacement project is one of the most expensive the department has undertaken. It is expected to cost $2.25 million, according to Water Company Supt. John Breunig. While Breunig hopes to secure federal grant and loan monies that could cover up to 55 percent of the cost, Water Commission Chair Brad Marthens had hoped to socialize up to 25 percent of the remaining costs among island taxpayers.
“I don’t want the cost falling completely on our ratepayers,” said Marthens at the Commission’s meeting on Monday, Nov. 18. “If this water main fails, then the island will be up the creek — so to speak. I’m pushing for approaching the town for 25 percent of the bonding.”
The motion to approve asking the town for 25 percent of the cost must first be approved by the Town Council, and, if that occurs, the bond issue will appear on the warrant at the Financial Town Meeting in May
