Bridgton, Maine, November 7, 2024 – The Town of Bridgton recently completed a major project to upgrade its wastewater treatment system. After several years of planning, engineering and construction for the project took nearly five years. Now over 600 more homes and businesses can connect to the municipal sewer line. The town’s new wastewater treatment facility meets modern standards, helping to protect the health of residents while conserving the environment. USDA Rural Development funded the bulk of the project with $11.4M in grants and $11.8M in loans through its Water and Waste Disposal program.
USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson congratulated town officials for completing these long-term upgrades. “Projects like this require vision and commitment,” she said. “We are thrilled to be able to tour the new facility, knowing what it means for the community. The pristine natural beauty of this area is something we all want to protect. This project does so while also supporting healthy neighborhoods and future economic development. Congratulations to the town leaders who saw it through, and to the residents for their support.”
The new treatment facility on McKegney Way began processing wastewater in January 2024. (Read local coverage The Bridgton News.) Bridgton’s Wastewater Department also upgraded the existing pump stations and constructed four new pump stations. The project extended the town’s sewer line down Rt. 302 and side streets along Main Street, more than tripling the collection system’s capacity. These improvements mean the system operates more effectively and efficiently and with greatly reduced health and sanitary concerns than before.
Collaboration between town officials, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and USDA Rural Development made the project possible. In addition to the $23.2M from USDA, the DEP provided $1M in grants and $1M in loans. The town contributed $443k from its wastewater fund. Rural Development has also provided grants and loans to help replace aging infrastructure and increase the capacity of the town’s drinking water system.
Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal program helps to fund clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofits in rural communities may be eligible to apply. Contact Bob Nadeau, Community Programs Director (robert.nadeau@usda.gov or 207-990-9121) for more information.
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