The Town of Southborough wastewater committee reviewed a debrief of a denied MassWorks application and agreed to finish feasibility and identify a specific treatment and discharge site before pursuing another grant. The committee met and were told the project’s strong matching funds were noted but the submission was judged ‘‘too early’’ without a defined site and construction-ready plan.

The committee’s chair summarized the debrief, saying MassWorks’ senior director ‘‘liked the potential for our project, providing support for economic development and creating jobs and housing,’’ but flagged the lack of a specific discharge area and full project readiness as the primary reason for denial. Another committee member put the result plainly: ‘‘We didn’t actually do it right is the bottom line.’’

Why it matters: MassWorks favors projects that are likely to be built in the near term; projects in a pre-funding or conceptual phase are less competitive. Committee members were advised to complete feasibility, identify a treatment/discharge site and produce a preliminary plan showing sewer lines and recharge areas before reapplying. The committee noted key calendar windows for the EOI and full application and identified an upcoming six-week opportunity to follow up with MassWorks staff.

Details and next steps: Committee members said they will:
- Complete feasibility work and a preliminary plan (site, sewer lines, recharge/discharge area) so the request is no longer a partial-design ask;
- Calculate a specific dollar ask for town meeting and for the next grant cycle (members discussed proposing a FY27 warrant number);
- Continue outreach to MassWorks staff for guidance and to clarify the EOI/application calendar.

The committee also discussed the project’s finance and permitting implications: members said MassWorks typically funds whole projects or later-stage elements rather than partial design alone; the committee therefore will refine the scope and funding ask to better match MassWorks priorities. The Select Board was described as favorably receptive to the concept but not yet committed to funding without a concrete number and plan.

Process note: The committee voted to approve minutes from the Nov. 13 meeting at the start of the session. The meeting adjourned after scheduling the next meeting for Jan. 15.