Jeffrey D. Wagner

WESTPORT — There have been some “false starts” on plans for extending the Fall River water and sewer lines through Westport’s Route 6 to the Dartmouth line, according to the state Sen. Michael Rodrigues. 

Rodrigues and state Rep. Paul Schmid both agree that a meeting on Sept. 19 with federal officials marked a fresh start towards that longtime goal.

“This is the first time we have had our federal partners around the same table,” Schmid said. 

Rodrigues and Schmid met with representatives of the local Planning Board and Economic Development Committee, as well as representatives from United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey and US Congressman Bill Keating. 

“They see significant benefits for Westport,” Schmid said.  

“Now is the time to do it. There’s lots of federal money on the table,” Rodrigues said, 

Schmid said that more than a decade ago, he served on a local water and sewer committee with talks of extending the water and sewer lines. He estimates that those talks have been happening for at least three decades. 

Schmid said Route 6 features mostly automobile businesses, which aren’t as reliant on water and sewer needs. 

Potential for new types of businesses

“If we can bring in water and sewer, we have an opportunity to upgrade some of that and expand our commercial tax base,” Schmid said. “There is a big potential for jobs if we can attract the right businesses to Route 6. 

Schmid said once the Route 6 business district attracts more businesses, the town can realize its goals of developing affordable, veteran and senior housing nearby. 

Waiting list for affordable housing

Schmid said that the town’s Noquochoke Affordable Housing apartment complex has a 600-person waiting list. 

“There is a huge demand for affordable housing, senior housing and veteran housing,” Schmid said.  “If we have water and sewer on Route  6 it will get easier to bring the housing to Westport.”

Both Schmid and Rodrigues note that the Planning Board has conducted engineering plans. So, one of the last steps is for local, state and federal authorities to earmark funds for the project. 

Funding for sewer and water extension

Rodrigues said around $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds have been set aside. Schmid said a Town Meeting might have to approve a bond and some residents with failed septic systems might have to pay to tie in. 

Schmid said some of these older, failed septic systems have impacted the water quality, so a potential tie in for some homeowners along Route 6 would be a benefit 

“The only way this will get done is with everyone working together – local, state and federal officials,” Rodrigues said. “Everyone is going to be putting a little money on the table.”

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Originally Appeared Here