MILFORD, DE- A major water infrastructure decision is on the table in Milford. Voters will head to the polls on Saturday to decide the future of the city’s growing needs.
Milford neighbors will have the chance to make their voices heard on April 26 by participating in the city's Water Infrastructure Referendum, a proposed $8.5 million project to support ongoing development across the city.
Lauren Swain, with the City of Milford, says the project will bring several key upgrades to the city’s aging infrastructure, which she says are needed to keep pace with growth.
“It will include a treatment facility, a water supply well, and a water tower."
Mayor Todd Culotta said the investment is designed to strengthen essential services as Milford expands.
“With growth, you're going to need to improve infrastructure. And so, with that, this water, infrastructure will help with things such as, fire response, water services to residents and commercial and, and all those things.”
If approved, Swain emphasizes the project would come at no cost to taxpayers and would not result in any utility rate increases—but still benefit the whole city and its services.
“There will be more of larger quantity of water and better quality of water.”
Culotta added that the referendum's timing is crucial as the city works to support large-scale projects like new housing developments and a Corporate Center.
“We want to make sure that we are set for the future. And really, what, big driver, this is our industrial park, of which we just broke ground on."
Polls will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Milford Public Works Facility, located at 180 Vickers Drive in the Greater Milford Business Park.
If approved by voters, the project would be funded through bonds not to exceed $8.5 million, with an average interest rate capped at 7%.