SCITUATE - March 24, 2026 - The Scituate Select Board moved aggressively on the town’s infrastructure future March 24, announcing the approval of $27 million in low-interest state funding for the North Scituate sewer expansion. This financial milestone, coupled with progress on the new water treatment plant and the purchase of high-tech “smart toilets” for local beaches, signals a major phase of municipal modernization. Town Administrator Jim Boudreau emphasized the magnitude of the funding, noting that the interest rates—expected between 1.5% and 1.9%—will save taxpayers millions compared to traditional market rates.
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The Full Story
The evening was dominated by significant financial and infrastructure updates. The headline achievement was Scituate’s acceptance into the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. The town has been approved for $27 million in low-interest loans to finance the long-awaited North Scituate sewer expansion. [21:58]
Town Administrator Jim Boudreau informed the Board that the project ranked high enough in the competitive application process to secure the funding. “This is huge news for the town of Scituate... every year there’s a very competitive application process and you’re above that line,” Boudreau noted, highlighting that the town also expects to pursue additional grants and direct federal appropriations to further offset costs. [22:34]
Water Treatment Plant: On Track for 2026
Consultants from Woodard & Curran provided a detailed progress report on the town’s new Water Treatment Plant, which is currently at 65.2% completion based on payments. [05:39] The project remains on schedule for substantial completion in December 2026. [05:28]
The Board unanimously approved Change Order #4, totaling $312,414.26, to cover structural modifications, architectural siding upgrades, and laboratory plumbing adjustments. [09:51] Project managers explained that while the base design was sound, specific equipment selections required custom concrete pads and penetration adjustments. [10:53] Notably, the town received a $12,600 credit back from the contractor for value-engineering efforts. [12:35]
“I am proud of the fact that we’re only at 1.41% change orders to date... we’re trending very, very well.” — Project Consultant [09:05]
Investing in Beach Amenities and Maintenance
Responding to long-standing feedback from the Beach Commission and residents, the Board authorized the $105,615 purchase of a mobile “smart toilet” trailer for the summer season. [34:20] These units, which feature UV disinfection and solar power, have been successfully piloted at Egypt Beach. [36:05] The Board opted for a white exterior to save $6,000 in custom paint costs and chose to brand the unit with the “Sea Scituate” lighthouse logo. [38:01]
In other business, the Board awarded a $1.78 million contract to Celco Construction for Phase 6B of the town’s water main replacement project. [30:03] This phase will replace aging transite (asbestos cement) pipes along Route 3A, a move designed to prevent future breaks as water pressure increases from the new treatment plant. [25:27]
Why It Matters
For Scituate residents, these decisions translate to long-term fiscal stability and improved quality of life. The $27 million SRF loan is a major win; by securing an interest rate below 2% rather than the current 5% market rate, the town avoids millions in future debt service. [23:01] Furthermore, the water main and treatment plant upgrades represent a “future-proof” strategy against potential PFAS regulations, ensuring the town can treat and mix well water efficiently without emergency surcharges years down the road. [26:44]
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve Change Order #4 for the Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $312,414.26.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) [21:49]
Motion: To award the water main replacement contract (Phase 6B) to Celco Construction for $1,780,280.94.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) [30:03]
Motion: To award the contract for the purchase of a mobile “smart toilet” trailer to NIU Smart Toilets for $105,615.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) [38:14]
Motion: To open and close the warrant for the April 13, 2026, Special Town Meeting to add the North Scituate sewer expansion article.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) [43:19]
Public Comment
Joanne Woff (Turner Road): Raised concerns regarding the Scituate Beach Association’s liquor license renewal, specifically citing the impact of increased traffic on the salt marsh and runoff from the parking lot. [49:09] She proposed a partnership for planting filtering vegetation to protect the marsh environment. [50:47]
What’s Next
Town Meeting: The Annual and Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Scituate High School Gymnasium to vote on the sewer expansion and other warrant articles. [02:18]
Voter Registration: The final day to register to vote for the Town Meeting is Friday, April 3, 2026. [02:29]
Transfer Station: Residents are reminded that transfer station stickers expire on Tuesday, March 31. [02:51]
Source Video: Scituate Community Television