Selectmen hear presentation on $4.9M Highland-area water-main bond to be paid by water users

Milford’s water commissioners presented details of warrant article 3, a proposed $4,900,000 bond to replace water mains in the Highland area on Jan. 12.

Dale White, chair of the water commissioners, said some pipe in the project area dates to the late 19th century and other sections are asbestos-cement lines prone to catastrophic breaks. He described the scope as including replacement of water pipe and trench/pavement restoration on several streets in the Highland neighborhood. White said the commission has put the project out to bid and that the $4.9 million figure is an engineer’s estimate that will be updated at the deliberative session once bids are received.

White and water director Jim Pullout explained the paving approach: the town intends to restore trenches and place a 3-inch binder across disturbed areas and complete base work after drainage work is finished. The presenters emphasized that the bond would be repaid through water user fees rather than the municipal tax rate. “The bond shall be paid for using water user fees,” the presentation stated.

Board members and residents asked about project timing (White said a likely start date in May, with potential for a two-year construction window), the inclusion of road surface work, and whether the warrant language allows multi-year financing. The commissioners said they will confirm bond-term language with town counsel and the Department of Revenue Administration and will update voters with final bid numbers and timing at the deliberative session.

The board opened the item for public comment; none were offered at the hearing.