Wilbraham board weighs $1.5 million Miller Street water-main project; full rebuild to East St. could cost $4.7 million

The Town of Wilbraham Board of Water Commissioners discussed plans to replace water mains on Miller Street, reviewing two phased options with differing scope and cost estimates.

DPW materials presented two options: a Phase 1 project covering a portion of Miller Street that ends mid‑roadway and a Phase 2 extension that would continue from Miller Street to East Street in Ludlow. The board discussed a target project budget of approximately $1.5 million and noted that a full Phase 2 rebuild to East Street was estimated at about $4.7 million. The department also identified an option to borrow an additional $200,000 from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) to cover change orders or to extend the work if bids allow.

Board materials state the department currently has authority to borrow up to $4 million for water projects, but officials noted that borrowing in excess of $2 million would require a water-rate increase. No final decision was made; the project will be advertised for bid with alternates so the board can choose to proceed with one phase or both after reviewing bid results. DPW will also research the Joint Town MassWorks Grant opportunity to identify potential outside funding.

The board did not take a final vote on project authorization during the meeting. Next steps are review of bid results and any grant-research findings before the board decides whether to proceed with Phase 1 only or both phases.