The Edgartown select board approved moving forward with a forgivable loan application for state funds to support the town’s wastewater facility.
The Edgartown wastewater department is seeking state revolving fund (SRF) money for asset management and future wastewater needs. “It’s about our rates, programs, procedures, processes, and collection system as well. This is a much more involved asset management performance that we’re seeking funding for,” wastewater plant operator Joe Rock told the board.
The SRF funding is a forgivable loan, and it will cost nothing for the town to apply.
Town administrator James Hagerty said the asset management plan is an element of the town’s comprehensive wastewater management plan (CWMP).
“Strategically we’re going to have to get this CWMP in effect and done and studied and publicized and distributed,” Hagerty said. “The preliminary event is an asset management plan, and we’re pursuing state funds to try to offset some of the costs.”
In other business, the board approved a contact tracing grant application. The grant is for a guaranteed $150,000 in state funds, and is being done in conjunction with Nantucket.
Edgartown will be hosting a town picnic on Sept. 12 to celebrate the town’s 350th anniversary. The picnic will feature the Dock Dance Band, food service, and other amenities.
The SRF loans are for 20-years at a low interest rate, and forgivable for qualifying communities only to the extent of 6-9%. At least that’s what DEP told us at the Airport, which was offered, and accepted, an SRF loan to urgently rebuild the wastewater facility that serves the Airport Business Park and Airport buildings. However, by whatever means the State evaluates eligibility for forgiveness it told the Airport Commission (I am a Commissioner) that Island income levels were too high to qualify for loan forgiveness. That must also apply to Edgartown as well.
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