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Needham reports $20 million construction season; DPW flags water, sewer staffing gaps
Summary
Director of Public Works Cara Slustig told the Select Board that the department completed an unusually large construction program in 2024 but still faces vacancies in critical water and sewer roles and ongoing multi-year projects that stretch into 2025.
The Town of Needham’s Department of Public Works carried nearly $20 million in projects through 2024 and is preparing to continue major work into 2025, Director of Public Works Cara Slustig told the Select Board on Jan. 7.
Slustig said the town moved beyond a typical May–November construction schedule to complete work funded by town appropriations, state grants and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. “This is probably the largest single construction season that DPW has ever engaged in with approximately $20,000,000 worth of projects,” Slustig told the board.
Why it matters: the projects include critical water, drainage and public-safety work that affect everyday services and future maintenance costs. Slustig warned staffing shortfalls in licensed water and sewer jobs create risk for operations and future emergency response.
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