Upgrading Woodstock’s Main Wastewater Treatment Facility is a critical investment in public health, environmental protection, and the long-term vitality of the community. The Town has developed a balanced funding strategy that prioritizes outside grant funding, responsible local financial planning, and affordability for system users. The Town is pursuing multiple funding avenues, but the primary source will be a low-interest grant/loan package, which requires the Town to approve the borrowing authority for the full project amount as a demonstration of support for the project, even though the final amount of actual indebtedness will be less.
The total cost to upgrade the wastewater treatment facility is estimated to be $34,261,000. The warrant article seeks voter approval for a not-to-exceed amount of $35 million, which provides flexibility during construction while establishing a clear upper limit on project costs.
Grant Funding Opportunities
Woodstock is actively pursuing state and federal grants to significantly reduce the local cost-share of the project. Showing readiness and public support for the project through voter approval is essential to securing these funds.
Grant programs typically require:
- A positive town vote approving the project
- Local matching funds
- Demonstration that the Town is ready to proceed with design and construction
Current grant(s) secured:
- Congressional Directed Spending STAG grant from USEPA in the amount of $1,000,000
Grant opportunities being pursued:
- EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant: Potential awards ranging from $2 million to $20 million
- CWSRF Pollution Control Grant: Potential funding of up to $3 million (up to 10% of construction costs, if funding is available)
Local Funding & Reserves
To meet grant matching requirements and support project financing while minimizing the financial impacts to the community, the Town is evaluating several internal funding mechanisms, including:
- Town reserves, which are managed and approved by the Selectboard
- Local Option Tax revenues
User Rates
There are multiple loan repayment options under evaluation, each with varying impacts on user rates. While final rates will depend on grant awards and financing structure, the Town is committed to keeping impacts manageable. User rates are expected to increase approximately 50% over the next 5 years.