Milton unveils plans for $895,000 in water infrastructure projects
Milton officials unveiled plans for $895,000 worth of water infrastructure improvements designed to improve the system’s reliability by adding an additional water main in the Wagamon’s West Shores development, and a new well and treatment facility in the area of Shipbuilder’s Village.
Town council has scheduled four workshop meetings to detail the project to citizens, followed by a public hearing in June and a referendum in July. Town Manager Kristy Rogers told council May 7 that the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council has approved a loan for the two projects at 2 percent interest over a 20-year term, but borrowing the money is dependent on voter approval at referendum.
Public Works Supervisor Greg Wingo said the Wagamon’s project will establish a loop system from just off Federal Street to West Shore Drive. He said there is only one water main serving 250 homes in Wagamon’s. If that main were to break, Wingo said, that area would be without water. By creating a loop, the development would have a second tie-in in case something happens to the existing main.
Rogers said the Wagamon’s portion of the project will cost $395,000.
Wingo said the Shipbuilder’s project will feature drilling a new well and building a new treatment plant. He said there are two wells in that area now, but they are both in a potential flood area. The new well would be out of the floodplain and could provide water in case the other two wells flood. The new water treatment facility will be out of the floodplain, he said.
Rogers said this portion costs $500,000. Wingo said these two areas were identified as priorities after the town mapped its water system in 2015.
John Bushey, chairman of the town’s water committee, said, “If we get caught in a storm situation, where there may be flooding, we can still supply and meet the demands, and meet the fire protection demands as well.”
Four public workshops were scheduled, with the first held May 10. The other three are: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 15; 6 p.m., Monday, May 21; and 11 a.m., Saturday, June 2. All the workshops will be held at the Milton library. Rogers said town council will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 4, also at the library. A referendum vote would then be held 30 to 60 days following the public hearing, with Saturday, July 21, being the target date.
Mayor Ted Kanakos said, “Water is really the lifeblood of our town. Our town needs to have the very best water available.”
