Londonderry moves forward with ARPA‑backed two‑village wastewater plan; voters earlier approved bond warnings

The Selectboard and consulting engineers took several steps this year to prepare a two‑village wastewater plan funded largely by ARPA grants. Dufresne Group engineer Chrissy Haskins told the board the updated 90% design recommends separate systems in both villages and that, with current cost estimates, ARPA will cover roughly 90% of construction while the town must plan a local match that will come before voters by bond authorization.

Haskins said, “The ARPA Grant covers 100% of the design, administrative, and easement acquisition costs, and up to 90% of the construction costs.” The report presented projected per‑user annual costs ranging from about $960 for a North‑only system to $1,260 for a South‑only system (combined buildout would average roughly $1,110). The board accepted the 90% preliminary engineering report and approved moving forward with informational outreach, an ordinance and fee framework, and bond vote steps. The town has also engaged RCAP Solutions for technical assistance drafting an ordinance and user‑fee structure.

Public discussion at the informational hearing focused on affordability, the need for wastewater to support village economic vitality, and how capacity limits will be prioritized in Phase 1. The village systems are being designed to allow a Phase 2 expansion that would add capacity later if additional funding becomes available. The Selectboard accepted the engineers’ recommendation on connection priorities for the South Village Phase 1 and directed staff to draft Town Meeting ballot language, bond schedules and a proposed ordinance for review at upcoming meetings.