Sturbridge water and sewer systems need $36.5 million in improvements
Finance Committee heard Tighe & Bond's comprehensive water and sewer infrastructure assessment at joint Select Board meeting. The consulting firm identified $36.5 million in required projects: $23 million for the Sewer Department and $13.5 million for the Water Department, with projected rate
Finance Committee · Meeting of February 17, 2026
STURBRIDGE — Finance Committee heard Tighe & Bond's comprehensive water and sewer infrastructure assessment at joint Select Board meeting. The consulting firm identified $36.5 million in required projects: $23 million for the Sewer Department and $13.5 million for the Water Department, with projected rate increases of 8 to 10 percent over four years, funded through a $200,000 state grant and $50,000 town contribution. Vice Chair James Waddick emphasized that water and sewer costs must be borne only by department users, while Finance Committee member Mike Hager urged the town to pursue available grants for eligible projects.
Safety concerns at several facilities, including inadequate ventilation, cramped spaces, and lack of heat, are being prioritized.
In the full story:
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Source: the Finance Committee meeting of February 17, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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