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Commissioners authorize paperwork for additional USDA Lewis Road sewer funds; package includes loan and grant components
Summary
Worcester County authorized staff to start paperwork and set a public hearing to accept additional USDA funding for the Lewis Road sewer project; part of the package includes grant dollars and a required loan component with 40-year, 2.5% loan terms and an estimated per-EDU quarterly charge.
County staff told commissioners on June 3 that the Lewis Road sewer project — originally financed with earlier USDA funding and a county match — received bids higher than anticipated, and USDA granted additional funding that includes both grant and loan elements.
According to staff, the construction bid came back at $3.8 million; with required resident project representative inspections and contingencies, the estimated total rose to $4,498,000. USDA approved additional funding for the project that county staff described as including $1,800,000 in grant dollars and $618,000 in loan proceeds. The loan would be for 40 years at 2.5 percent, staff said. There are 60 EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) assigned to Lewis Road; staff estimated the loan portion would amount to roughly $105 per EDU per quarter if assessed.
Staff clarified the current USDA paperwork in commissioners’ packets is an initial acknowledgement of the terms and not the final acceptance; USDA will produce a closing package once the county returns the signed acknowledgement. Staff also said the county may return the funds if the community later decides not to proceed, though design costs already expended would remain the community’s responsibility.
Commissioner Matrassik moved to proceed with the paperwork and set a public hearing; Commissioner Fiore seconded. The board approved the motion to start the acceptance process and schedule the public hearing. Staff noted a clerical correction would be made on the applicant sheet before submission.
The action next requires scheduling a public hearing and continued outreach with affected residents to confirm whether they want to proceed with the project and the associated assessments.
