Wayland capital panel reviews $38.6M MWRA project and DPW requests

WAYLAND — November 13, 2025 — Wayland capital panel reviews $38.6M MWRA water project and packed DPW request list. DPW Director Tom Holder told the Capital Improvement Planning Committee on Thursday that the MWRA connection and a new Happy Hollow treatment plant would be financed at zero percent interest over 20 years through the state revolving fund because the project addresses PFAS, with annual debt service of roughly $1.8 million after the first year and construction running spring 2027 to summer 2029. Holder proposed combining a $2 million high school Title V septic replacement — down from a previous $5.5 million plant rebuild — with a $2.5 million baseball field project to avoid tearing up the field twice, saving roughly $44,000 a year in pumping. He also asked for $250,000 in MS4 stormwater hardscaping work; Vice-Chair Bradford Carver said the town is "halfway along" the 20-year permit and behind. Chair Kelly Lappin said the Select Board has not decided whether to fund MWRA debt through water rates, the tax rate or a debt exclusion. The Sherman Bridge line, previously $663,000, was dropped after MassDOT agreed to cover materials and labor.