Groveland, Methuen and Lawrence also Receive Partial Grants
Haverhill will benefit from a combination of low-interest loans and state grants this year to separate a combined downtown sewer and an prepare an overall city stormwater management plan.
State officials said Tuesday Haverhill’s $14.7 million downtown sewer project will benefit from a low-interest loan with some loan forgiveness expected from the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The city will also receive a grant of $150,000 from the state Department of Environmental Protection toward a $250,000 Stormwater Asset Management Plan. Groveland, Methuen and Lawrence will also receive stormwater-related grants towards projects in those communities.
Haverhill Public Works Director Robert E. Ward told WHAV the city is working toward fulfilling requirements to end combined stormwater and sewer overflows into the Merrimack River.
“We’re making progress, but it’s expensive progress though. Unfortunately, it goes on the user rate. It might not be great timing these days to increase rates, but it is what it is because we’re under a consent decree from the federal government and the state government,” he said.
Ward outlined the scope of the Locke Street project. “Combined sewer overflow separation and, while we’re in there, we’re going to replace some of the water mains—some of the old, old water mains,” he explained.
The public works director noted the state typically forgives 6.5% of the loan for sewer work and 13% for water. There may also be additional state grants available.
As for the stormwater management plan, Ward said the city will inventory its pipe network, assess conditions and develop a capital improvement program. The city’s share will be met through a combination of cash and in-kind services.
Groveland also will receive a grant of $69,488 toward a $115,838 Asset Management Inventory and Planning project. Methuen was awarded $150,000 toward a $250,000 Stormwater System Enterprise Asset Management System and Lawrence will receive $144,000 toward a $240,000 Stormwater Asset Management Plan.
“These projects are critical to the health and wellbeing of everyone here in Massachusetts,” said Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, chair of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, in a statement. “The grant funding and low-interest rate loans from the Trust helps cities and towns to finance cost-effective projects, especially in our most vulnerable communities.”
MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple added, “Massachusetts has some of the oldest housing stock and water infrastructure in the nation and lead service lines remain a threat to public health, particularly for young children. Every dollar of these funds helps us to meet our core mission to provide clean and safe water for everyone.”