Water, sewer construction project nearly complete

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON, Maine — Phase Two of the North Road Project is nearly finished.
John Clark, general manager of the Houlton Water Company, said there were a few minor items left to complete such as paving, correcting the manhole heights and pump stations adjustments.    “It is expected all items to be corrected by Nov. 15,” he said.
In June 2012, a referendum was sent to the townspeople who voted in favor of the North Road project, 336-103, which is less than 10 percent of the registered voters in the town, with a price tag of $1.6 million in TIF funds. The loan will be paid back over 30 years.
“We are a ways from finalizing the cost and probably will not have final numbers until mid November,” said Clark. “But up until now, except for a cost overrun on paving, the project has been on budget.”
The North Road Project extended water and sewer lines along the North Road. The completion of this phase marks the second time water and sewer has been extended on North Road.
In March 2011, the Houlton Water Company funded the first phase of the North Road water sewer project, with town TIF funds placed into a reserve account. Much of that extension was to accommodate a parcel of land, now occupied by Tractor Supply Company, but it also created additional retail expansion opportunities in that area.
The expansion brought public water and sewer from the Tractor Supply Company north to just south of the Currier Road. Undertaking such a major project has been on the town’s radar since at least 2007 when it crafted a comprehensive plan. That plan suggested expanding the water and sewer along the North Road, since that area was targeted as the spot most likely to be used for future expansion.
“There were no unexpected issues on the project except for additional road paving that is a result of blasting and MDOT inspection,” explained Clark.
In an earlier discussion on the North Road Project at a council meeting, Councilor Sue Tortello inquired if existing businesses had to be hooked up on the new line. Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Tingley said,  “Only new businesses within 200 feet would have to hook in. Existing businesses — within 200 feet — would not be forced to tie in, as long as everything was functioning properly.”
Clark added, “Tying into the new systems (water and sewer) is voluntary. If an existing business has a good operating system, the business can continue to use its own wells/septic.”
The town hopes with the completion of the second Phase of the North Road Project, more businesses will be enticed to check out the area.
“With these new utility services along with our economic electric rates, business may look at locating on the North Road,” said Clark. “Or, existing business will continue to operate and expand.”
The Houlton Water Company now has three utility services available to customers on the North Road as far north as Freightliner of Maine, added Clark.