Committee hears sewer rehabilitation updates and $3 million dune grant for Short Beach

The finance committee received a detailed update on sewer rehabilitation and coastal resilience projects, with DPW staff stressing proactive repairs to avoid costly failures. Zach Taylor, DPW superintendent, described recent capital work including a full renovation of the town’s major pump station and restoration of the Ward Road pump station, saying the systems are now operating reliably.

Zach said the department completed lining of a troublesome force main that had caused repeated failures and that the town is advancing an infiltration and inflow (I/I) study to identify groundwater intrusion and illicit connections that increase treatment costs. “Flow metering during rain events is helping us quantify how much rain is getting into the sewer system,” he said, explaining phase‑2 work will include targeted pipe replacements.

Zach also noted proactive work on the Willow Road force main and a planned Warf Street pump station upgrade, describing the effort as preventive: “It’s a very proactive thing to do,” he said of force‑main work.

Allison briefed the committee that the town recently secured a roughly $3 million state grant for restoration of the Short Beach dune, which is in design and expected to go to bid in the coming months with construction planned for fall. The money was discussed in the context of ongoing FEMA‑related projects dating back to 2017; Allison identified permitting and complex design as current bottlenecks but emphasized progress.

Committee members asked about timing and phasing for large projects and whether borrowing and grant schedules could be staggered; Zach said some work can be phased but urgent neighborhood drainage (White Way) should not be delayed. The committee requested follow‑up on schedules, budgeted borrowing amounts and grant match requirements.