BOURNE – The Town of Bourne broke ground yesterday on the Buzzards Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility.
The project, which received $1.5 million from the MassWorks Infastructure Grant Program, will expand the capacity and support new development in the village center.
Bourne Town Manager Tom Guerino says the new treatment plant is huge for the area which is on the cusp of major economic development.
“There are two new restaurants opening up, possibly a third,” Guerino said. “We have a hotel that has started construction. There is an over 100-unit market rate apartment complex going up as well.”
A third phase of development will include condominium and retail space.
The wastewater treatment system will expand capacity to 100,000 gallons per day.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito says the project is a perfect example of state and local governments working together.
Along with the $1.5 million in state funding, the project received $300,000 from the Cape Cod Commission and tax payers in Bourne covered the remaining $1.7 million.
“You shared in the commitment to build out this infrastructure and that’s the way it should be,” Polito said. “State and local government working together to build out the infrastructure that will now lead to so much more economic opportunity here.”
The infrastructure will support up to $60 million in future development including several housing and mixed-use projects including a 120-unit senior rental apartment project and a 100-room Hampton Inn and Suites currently under construction.
“When you have people now living in your Main Street area full-time calling this area their home they are going to want some things to do,” Polito said. “Restaurants and shops and service and entertainment and culture and activities – they have it all here, and you knew this.”
“I cannot express the positive impact that the MassWorks grant has provided to this increased wastewater capacity project. This strongly bolsters the future of the economic and community development for the town,” said Bourne Town Administrator Thomas Guerino.
“$1.5 million is a huge amount of money for our community and represents 20% of the estimated overall costs of the project. Additionally, this award shows that the Baker-Polito Administration have a true interest in the vitality of this municipality. By showing this commitment, we have been able to receive conditional approval on a federal grant to further support the project.”
“I am excited to see the Buzzards Bay community have the opportunity to partner with the Baker-Polito Administration on this important project,” said Senator Vinny deMacedo.
“The Buzzards Bay Water District has worked very hard on modernizing the wastewater treatment capabilities of the region and this grant allows them to take the next step in a project that will expand economic opportunities and allow more housing in Buzzards Bay and South Plymouth.”
“This infrastructure investment by the Baker-Polito Administration will open the door to further private investment in Buzzards Bay village by increasing wastewater capacity within the Cape Cod Commission Growth Incentive Zone,” said Representative David T. Vieira.
“It is the first step towards a longer range goal of increasing capacity in partnership with the Town of Wareham treatment facility. I applaud Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, and Secretary Ash for recognizing the importance of this project and making the necessary funds available to the town.”
The MassWorks Infrastructure Program provides a one stop shop for municipalities and other eligible public entities seeking public infrastructure funding to support housing production, economic development, and job creation through strategic investments in public infrastructure.
Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded over $274 million to 134 projects in 106 communities throughout the Commonwealth, spurring the development of over 2 million square feet of commercial and retail space, over 7,000 immediate housing units, at least 7,000 square feet of new public space, 1,200 new hotel rooms, and commercial/retail space.
The Buzzards Bay Village Center has also been identified as a Cape Cod Commission Growth Incentive Zone.
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