Sanford says state may provide $50 million for new water-treatment plant addressing PFAS

Sanford’s chair told commissioners at the Feb. 18 work session that staff have been pursuing state infrastructure funding for a new water treatment plant and that a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) meeting could secure roughly $50 million toward the project.

The Chair described a multiyear effort with staff, consultants and attorneys to secure funding after contaminants such as PFAS and past 1,4-dioxane concerns prompted the need for an upgraded treatment system. According to the chair, DEP officials were expected to sign off on an allocation at a Wednesday meeting that could cover the entire plan over the next two to three years. "They're ready to give us $50,000,000," the Chair said, noting that if the funds are provided, the city may not need to borrow for the full project or could have loan proceeds returned.

Commissioners suggested that this would be a high‑impact public story once confirmed and discussed how the communications plan and the proposed digital-media specialist could help explain the technical steps, the timeline and the benefits to residents.

What happens next: Chair said staff will post a public announcement once allocations are finalized; commissioners asked for a clear timeline and public-facing materials explaining the project, funding sources and anticipated schedule.