SOUTHWICK – The Sewer Implementation Committee discussed the issues on Congamond Rd. during their meeting on Tuesday night.
A member of the committee as well as the Department of Public Works Director for the Town of Southwick, Randy Brown, acknowledged that a project on Congamond Rd. is continuing to be put in place.
There will be a reconstruction of Congamond Rd. in which MassDOT is providing the funding. The project includes a new drainage system, a sidewalk on the south side of the road and brand new bike lanes. According to Brown, the project is about 75% designed.
“We’ve had several public hearings about this project throughout the last couple years,” said Brown.
Members of the Sewer Implementation Committee discuss the Congamond Rd. project and the grant application program. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
MassDOT is looking to advertise the road project and put it out for bid sometime in the spring of 2017.
There is another part to the project that Brown is still putting on hold as he is currently unaware if new sewers can be included in the project but the possibility is certainly being looked into.
The current status of sewers on Congamond Rd. is not in good standing as there are very few sewers and the systems are failing. It has been a major cause for concern to many residents and businesses surrounding Congamond Rd.
“We have to make the decision whether we can include sewers in the project,” said Brown.
With MassDOT providing the funding for the road aspect, the sewer project would come directly out of the town’s pocket.
As sewers are a demanding need throughout the commonwealth from many communities, the price is very steep.
About two weeks ago, Brown and the DPW submitted an application to the MassWorks Infrastructure Program requesting a grant for $1.95 million. The grant would include completely new sewers throughout Congamond Rd., as well as a pump station that would be located on the intersection of Congamond Rd. and College Hwy.
“(The) grant is a way we can offset some of the cost to the homeowners,” said Brown.
As the Town of Southwick and the DPW still has to weigh out their options if including sewers in the project would prove to be beneficial in all aspects, they will also be waiting to see if the town will receive the grant from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program.
