Scituate leadership moved with rare speed this week, as the Select Board, Advisory Committee, and Capital Planning Committee convened for a joint session to fast-track the funding for the North Scituate Sewer project. The urgency stems from a 1.9% interest rate offered through the state’s intended use plan, a rate that town officials warned would vanish if local borrowing is not authorized by June 30th. Town Administrator James Boudreau emphasized the magnitude of the opportunity, noting that waiting for a later town meeting could cost taxpayers between $5 million and $9 million in additional interest fees.

Since I started in January 2018, North Scituate Sewer has been the board's number one priority, Boudreau said, highlighting that the business district’s growth has been effectively paralyzed by the lack of a sewer system. The $27 million project includes $1 million for water infrastructure improvements and will be partially offset by a $5 million MassWorks grant the town secured previously. Boudreau told the boards that while a June special town meeting was an option, it would cost the town up to $10,000 to host, whereas acting now ensures the town is in the queue for approval before the rush of other communities.

Technical experts from Woodard & Curran provided a roadmap for the construction, which is expected to break ground in the spring of 2027. Consultant Rob Little described the current climate as a unique and fantastic financial opportunity for Scituate due to the state’s late release of the funding program. Project manager Dan Scott confirmed the design is nearing completion, stating, We are currently on schedule to finish 100% design this May. Construction is projected to last 20 to 28 months, with the system expected to be operational by the end of 2029.

The discussion turned to the project's scope and capacity when Advisory Committee member Jerry Kelly asked, What is the capacity of the existing facility? How much more can it take? Boudreau responded that significant investments in preventing inflow and infiltration (I&I) have ensured the town’s wastewater plant can accommodate the North Scituate load. When member Marc DiCosimo questioned why the project includes a residential loop in addition to the business district, Boudreau explained that nitrogen loading in the Gulf River made the inclusion necessary. Including them gives us environmental points on our application, Boudreau noted, adding that it also makes engineering sense to complete the loop now.

Fiscal concerns regarding debt service were raised by the Capital Planning Chair, who asked, Does the sewer enterprise have the cash flow to support debt service before we start the betterments? Town Accountant and Advisory Committee member Nancy Holt provided a reassuring outlook, explaining that the project qualifies for Clean Water Trust funding. If this is approved and we get Clean Water Trust funding, the short-term borrowing is zero interest, Holt said. We don't pay interest on it as we draw down the expenses. Boudreau further clarified that the project would be funded through rates and betterments rather than the general fund, though the town would eventually see new growth numbers as businesses finally expand in North Scituate.

The joint session concluded with unanimous support across all three boards. DPW Director Kevin Cafferty clarified for the committee that residents living along the transmission force main would not be charged betterments, as they cannot tie into that specific line. Advisory Committee Chair Dan McGuiggin expressed his support for the swift action, stating, Saving that much money seems straightforward to me.

Motion Made by [Select Board Member] to recommend Article 6 of the Special Town Meeting. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Motion Made by [Capital Planning Member] to recommend funding for the North Scituate Sewer project. Motion Passed (2-0-0).

Motion Made by D. McGuiggin to recommend Article 6 of the Special Town Meeting. Motion Passed (4-0-0).