Swampscott DPW seeking cash for beach drainage project

SWAMPSCOTT – The Department of Public Works will be asking for more funds for the Essex Avenue Drain Repair project at Special Town Meeting, but it won?t affect taxes, said Director Gino Cresta.Cresta said the project has nothing to do with the drainage issues that cause flooding in parts of town, but rather treats the drainwater that flows into the ocean through the Kings Beach overflow pipe.The town already voted at the Annual Town Meeting in May to appropriate $200,000 for the project Cresta called “ongoing,” but another $125,000 will be needed after the town received an order by the state Department of Environmental Protection on June 7 to upgrade the system to state regulations.The extra funds, slated for Article Four in the Town Meeting Warrant, will need a two-thirds affirmative vote to pass, but Cresta said he doesn?t expect it to be a highly debated issue. “This money is going to work to clean the outfall water at Kings, so I think everybody will support that,” said Cresta.If the money isn?t voted through, the DEP will fine the town for every day it doesn?t make the upgrades after the May 1, 2013 deadline. Though Cresta said he didn?t have a number, “the fines could far exceed the cost of the repairs. It is in our best interest to take care of this now.”According to the Town Meeting Warrant, the funds will pay for the replacement of a chemical feed storage tank, modification to the piping and plumbing arrangement, the replacement of parts to a circular chart recorder, and addition of a portable safety eyewash and shower.Cresta said the town will most likely borrow the money from its lender, but any money involved to pay for the project is already factored into the 2.5% annual tax increase, and therefore residents will not see a spike in their taxes.Cresta said the printed warrant that voting members will receive in their mail this week states the amount needed as $150,000 for a total of $350,000, which is a typo that he says will be amended at the meeting.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].