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Bath moves to shore up water plant, secures legal and engineering support
Summary
Council reported the water plant is functioning but requires multi‑phase restoration; staff have identified roughly $2 million for phase 1 and are pursuing additional federal and state funding while retaining water-specialty attorneys to guide contracts and ownership questions.
Council and staff told the April 7 meeting that the town’s water plant is operating but needs restoration and refurbishment to ensure long‑term sustainability. Staff said they have identified funding packaging equating to about $2 million for a phase‑one rollout and are pursuing further federal and state support for subsequent phases.
Mary (staff) said the town has retained attorneys with water-sector expertise to help review contracts, clarify ownership of extensions and ensure legal protections before signing. “Every dollar that we raise in grants is dollars we do not raise taxes, and we do not raise the cost of the water utility,” Mary said, emphasizing grant leverage and the town’s preference to avoid rate increases.
Speakers reported that the town has approximately $7 million identified toward a larger $8 million program if all pending requests land, and that more detailed engineering and funding decisions will follow formal award notices and legal review. Council asked staff to proceed cautiously and to keep the public informed about major contractual commitments and any changes to rates or service.
