I want to be clear on what a “YES” vote on Question 1 means.

A YES vote on Question 1 allows the town to construct the water and sewer trunkline down Route 6. A yes vote does not allow the town to reach into the neighborhoods and expand water and sewer infrastructure beyond Route 6. The town has more planning and work to do before expanding into neighborhoods. But moving forward with the trunkline is absolutely critical at this time and I will be voting YES on Question 1.

For two decades I have served on the Economic Development Task Force for Westport and most recently, serve as the chairman for the Infrastructure Oversight Committee and Vice Chair of the Select Board. For 20 years I have worked to maximize opportunities for the town. Today, the town is in a position to take advantage of infrastructure funds that have not been available in the past and will not be available in the future. And I do not want the town to miss this opportunity. The state, through federal government funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has low interest loans available to build projects like the trunkline. But there is A LOT of demand on these loans and the ability to borrow this money will diminish in future years.

Grants are better than loans! That is why we continue to pursue every grant opportunity available from state and federal sources to minimize the amount we have to borrow.

This project will result in cleaner water for the Westport River. Sewer connections eliminates the septic systems that are now polluting the Westport River. This project also brings clean drinking water to our residents who suffer from contaminated drinking water wells. There are many opportunities this project brings to the town of Westport.

I know these infrastructure projects are not cheap. But the economic and clean water future of this town requires us all to make an investment. The dollars we commit today will yield big returns in the future. I hope you all join me in Voting Yes on Question 1 on April 9.

Steve Ouellette

Westport

Ouellette is a member of the Westport Select Board and chairman of the Infrastructure Oversight Committee.