SAUGUS — The town is set to spend $160,000 to replace the fueling system that powers fire trucks and other vehicles. The project was approved by Town Meeting in May.
The fuel dispensers are located at the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Public Safety Building. Town Manager Scott Crabtree says the upgrades will ensure the system’s reliability, consistency, and cost efficiency.
The dispensers provide gas for vehicles in many town departments, including police, fire, public works, building maintenance, youth and recreation, the Senior Center, Inspectional Services, custodial, conservation, and solid waste and recycling.
The Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting each supported spending for the improvements.
The project includes replacement of approximately 18-year-old pumps that were no longer repairable with brand-new, submersible pumps for both diesel and gasoline tanks. Full cabinet dispensers and all accessories for the diesel and gasoline tanks will also be included as part of the project.
“The fuel pumps and dispensers at the DPW and Public Safety Building had been in need of replacement for some time now,” said Crabtree. “This work will drastically increase the reliability of these systems, especially during emergency situations, especially during emergency situations like snowstorms and extreme weather events.”
A trench was dug outside the Public Safety Building to install conduits for the new system. Electrical work is underway to remove the existing circuits and install new wires. Similar work began at the DPW.
The project is expected to be completed by September.
