The town of Norfolk has received a federal earmark to help fund the expansion of the Town center sewer system.

Norfolk received $959,752, which was supported by U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, as part of the federal FY24 Community Project Funding Program. These funds will be used for the design, engineering and permitting of a new wastewater treatment system with new sewer lines to serve areas of the town center not currently served by sewer.

“Clean water has been my priority for three funding cycles,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “These projects take time – they’re not quick and flashy – but the benefits will extend for a generation in Norfolk.”

The FY2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill provides $58.2 billion in new spending for energy and water development, including $10 billion toward improving critically important water infrastructure.

“We are very pleased to have received these funds,” said Select Board member Jim Lehan. “This will allow us to develop a detailed feasibility study that will hopefully enable us to fully utilize the full capacity of our treatment plant to further develop opportunities in our business district.”

Select Board Chair Kevin Kalkut said: “For the last five years, Norfolk has been working toward a vision that would deliver on the ‘vibrant, walkable town center’ that so many within the community have expressed interest in seeing.

“Through strategic zoning proposals in 2021, investments in Master Plan updates on track to be completed this spring, and collaboration with area smart-growth experts, wastewater treatment options became a clear barrier to that future potential. Thanks to Congressman Auchincloss’ efforts in securing these federal community project funds, we are one big step closer to delivering on our commitment to current residents and future generations.”

“A huge thank you to Congressman Auchincloss for his efforts to secure monies for the Norfolk Town Center Package Sewer Plant,” said Select Board member Anita Mecklenburg. “This will help us move forward with important infrastructure for the future of Norfolk. We are most grateful.”

“I sincerely thank Congressman Auchincloss and his team for their advocacy in helping to secure these federal community project funds,” said Town Administrator Justin Casanova-Davis. “The entire process has been a collaborative effort with not only the Congressman’s team, but by members of the Planning Department, Department of Public Works and the Select Board. This collective effort in securing these vital funds will assist the Town in achieving the community’s vision for the town center.”