Mashpee voters approved Question 3 at the annual town election on Saturday, May 9, by a vote of 1,132 to 474, The Mashpee Enterprise reported. The question was a Proposition 2½ debt exclusion to pay for planning and design of wastewater collection, treatment and effluent recharge systems: the $12 million design of Phase 3 of Mashpee’s sewer plan.
The ballot vote completes a two-step approval. On Monday, May 4, Town Meeting approved Article 4 by the required two-thirds majority. The spending needed both votes to take effect.
What it means for the Bay
Phase 3 is the part of Mashpee’s sewer plan aimed at Waquoit Bay. Town Manager Rodney Collins has said it is expected to serve more than 1,000 homes, and the project is expected to cut nitrogen in the Waquoit watershed by about 30 percent, according to the Enterprise. It would also reduce the nutrients reaching the Quashnet River. Too much nitrogen is the main reason the Bay’s water quality has declined.
What comes next
This vote pays for design only, and construction will need its own funding vote. A construction-ready design makes Mashpee eligible for low-cost State Revolving Fund financing. Collins has estimated construction at about $110 million with that financing, against about $275 million without it. The Town’s engineers expect to go out to bid in spring 2028, followed by about three years of construction.
CPWB supported Article 4 and Question 3, including an informational session with the Town Manager at Mashpee TV on April 23. Thank you to every Mashpee resident who turned out. Waquoit Bay needs that same support for the next step. Become a member to help.
Drafted with AI assistance from the linked source.
