The committee’s discussion underscored the recent completion of a significant water infrastructure project that saw the installation of approximately 13,200 feet of new water mains across several areas, including Gford Road, Osborne Street, and Route 6, with additional lines on East Bridge Road, Fifth Avenue, and Sixth Avenue. The project also introduced 24 new fire hydrants, a development anticipated to lower insurance costs for residents who notify their providers about the improved fire safety measures. In addition to the installation of water mains, the roads involved were fully paved.

A key achievement of the project was the connection of numerous properties, including the Alice Mack School, to the town’s water system. This transition is particularly beneficial for the school, which will experience reduced water-related expenses compared to its previous well-dependent system. The project also provided financial assistance to 48 early adopters eager to connect to the town’s water supply, with 26 connections completed by the time of the meeting.

The committee acknowledged the challenges previously faced by properties reliant on groundwater wells, many of which had been contaminated, leading to a reluctance to use well water for consumption or hygiene. Stories shared during the meeting emphasized the real-life impact, including a report from a resident near Harvey Industries who experienced poor water quality due to nearby farms.

During discussions about project completion, the committee issued a certificate of substantial completion to the contractor. Some funds were retained for minor outstanding tasks, such as state-required pavement markings, which will be completed once weather conditions allow. The contractor is expected to return next year to finalize these tasks.

The committee was also focused on funding and future projects. They discussed the closeout meeting with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, where the project was praised as a model for other towns. The final reimbursement request for the PAS funds was submitted, with the town seeking reimbursement for $376,931 from the original earmark. The funding landscape was highlighted, including a million-dollar earmark from Senator Rodrigues and a $4 million PAS grant, alongside Bristol County ARPA funds totaling roughly $2.8 million. These funds must be spent by the end of 2026, emphasizing the need for strategic planning.

Retention of key engineering expertise was a priority as the project phases out, particularly given the transition to a new Town Administrator. The continuity of knowledge and leadership in water and sewer management was deemed essential to maintain momentum on current and future projects. The committee considered setting aside $30,000 for the highway department to convert temporary patches into permanent ones, leveraging reduced costs compared to contractor rates.

In terms of ongoing challenges, the committee deliberated on the enforcement of water tie-ins for certain properties, proposing an extension of the connection deadline to the end of March. They emphasized the need for homeowners to comply with the tie-in agreements to stabilize the water enterprise fund, which had earlier projected a deficit. Sending letters to 22 homes with hookups but not yet utilizing the town water was unanimously approved as a step towards financial stability.

Discussions also included the resolution of past billing discrepancies with Fall River. A mediation agreement is nearing completion, anticipated to resolve issues dating back to 2016. The new agreement with Fall River is expected to lower the cost per unit of water, a favorable outcome for Westport. The financial health of the enterprise fund was acknowledged, supported by over $300,000 in funds despite obligations to cover past due amounts.

The committee explored regional cooperation opportunities, particularly the potential for Fall River to supply water to Dartmouth at competitive rates. This initiative could lead to financial benefits for the municipalities involved. Federal funding opportunities were also a focal point, with urgency expressed in securing grants to support local water and sewer projects. The committee emphasized the importance of meeting administrative and environmental requirements to expedite fund release.