The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Maine State Director, Rhiannon Hampson, announced a big grant for the Southwest Harbor Water and Sewer District on December 8. The district received a $4.25 million grant and a low-interest loan of $5 million from the agency. This marks Rural Development’s final Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) award for fiscal year 2023, with over $33 million invested in wastewater treatment projects across Maine during the year. These projects aim to enhance the quality of life in rural areas and safeguard Maine’s waterways.
Hampson emphasized the importance and high cost of wastewater treatment upgrades. She noted that Mount Desert Island represents Maine’s commitment to conservation and natural resource protection while maintaining economic vibrancy. Completing an infrastructure project in such a special place requires long-term environmental leadership, which Rural Development is dedicated to providing. The agency looks forward to working with Southwest Harbor’s local leaders to complete this project. Similar projects are happening in towns across Maine, thanks to significant investments by the Biden-Harris administration.
Planning for the Southwest Harbor wastewater treatment upgrades began in 2018. Since then, the costs of equipment and materials have increased significantly. The project faces additional challenges due to the small footprint of the treatment facility and its proximity to a marina and Acadia National Park. Scott Emery, a Civil Engineer at USDA Rural Development, has been advising on the project from the beginning. He mentioned that such projects typically take several years or more to complete. The actual work is scheduled to commence this spring.
