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Date: 7/25/2023
SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust approved over $108 million in low-interest loans and grants for water infrastructure improvements. Most of the funding is slated for enhancements to the Springfield Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility.
The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission will receive a $21.98 million loan from the Trust for the Grit Removal Upgrade Project at the SRWTF. The initiative targets the primary wastewater treatment process, including removing solid waste like dirt and debris.
“The upgraded system will provide more consistent treatment results,” a representative from the commission stated. “It’s a significant step forward for our facility and the communities we serve.”
The upgrade aims to refine the process of grit particle removal, increasing treatment efficiency and reducing the need for maintenance.
In addition, the improvements are expected to boost the facility’s capacity to manage increased inflows of stormwater and wastewater during adverse weather events, resulting in less discharge of combined sewer overflows into the Connecticut River.
The SRWTF caters to Springfield and six neighboring communities. With bids for the project coming under budget, construction is set for mid-August and is anticipated to be completed in two years.
The upgrade forms part of the Commission’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Renewal Program, a broader effort to modernize aging water and wastewater infrastructure. The program portfolio comprises over 20 projects in the next six years.
The loan from the Massachusetts State Revolving Funds, furnished at a low-interest rate, is designed to decrease borrowing costs and expedite the completion of these vital projects.
“The funding from the Trust not only accelerates the modernization of our infrastructure but also lessens the financial burden on our communities,” the commission stated.
The city of Chicopee was granted a $7.3 million loan at a 2% interest rate for the South Fairview Sewer Separation Project – Phase A. The sewer separation and water replacement project is estimated at $19.66 million, according to bidding information.
The work involves approximately 14,400 feet of new sewer, 8,400 feet of new drain and 14,800 feet of new water line installation. An additional 2,100 feet of lining is included in the project’s scope.
Once completed, the new lines will improve the water and sewer systems while promoting developments in roadway infrastructure.
Since 1989, The Clean Water Trust has loaned nearly $8.25 billion to improve and maintain water quality in the commonwealth, benefiting approximately 97% of Massachusetts’ residents.