July 29, 2011
Maine

Bingham accepts upgrade money

By Erin Rhoda, Staff Writer, Morning Sentinel, www.onlinesentinel.com 29 July 2011

BINGHAM – Residents voted unanimously to accept $1.57 million in federal loan and grant money on Wednesday to upgrade its wastewater infrastructure.

At the special town meeting they also defeated a wind moratorium request, 35-15, said Selectman Steve Steward.

The town will receive a $627,000 loan and a $943,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development to improve its wastewater service.

The sewer system is more than 40-years old and processes the waste of every user in Bingham, Steward said. The town expects to put the project out for a bid in January or February, with construction likely starting next summer, he said.

“We’ve worked hard. I’ve been eight years trying to get money for this project,” he said.

Residents rejected a proposal brought by petition to have a 180-day halt to any wind development projects.

The moratorium would have allowed Planning Board members, selectmen and community members to develop an ordinance to establish setback limits and other rules surrounding wind power projects.

Boston-based developer First Wind plans to install turbines on hills on the outskirts of Bingham, extending into Mayfield and Blanchard townships.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/29/bingham-accepts-upgrade-money/