MARION — Marion will receive $250,000 in state capital project funds through the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assist in funding the town's ongoing lagoon lining project, Town Administrator James McGrail and Rep. William Straus have announced.

As part of the project, improvements and modifications are being made to the lagoon system at the Marion Wastewater Treatment Plant. Through the project, Lagoon #1 has been drained and biosolid waste has been removed. The final step of the project is for a state-of-the-art liner system to be installed.

The state has provided $500,000 so far for the project, McGrail said. All other debt will be paid by the sewer enterprise fund, he said. 

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg is “optimistic’’ that the town will receive additional money for the project in FY 23, Straus wrote in a letter notifying the town about the funding.

The completion of the project will align the Wastewater Treatment Plant and lagoon system with the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DEP mandates regarding waste storage and treatment.

Work on the project began in 2020, and is nearly completed.

Rep. Straus has additionally worked with the town in previous years to make $2 million available through Massachusetts H4835, legislation which authorized funding for environmental-related investments. Rep. Straus also previously secured an additional $250,000 in bond funds for the project in 2021.

"We are continuously grateful to Rep. Straus for his backing of this project and consistent work on our behalf to secure additional funding for the project that will help to relieve the burden on Marion's taxpayers," Town Administrator McGrail said. "We are also appreciative of the funding support from the Baker-Polito Administration and Department of Environmental Protection as we work to make upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant and lagoon system that ensure they are environmentally sound and in line with the latest requirements."

"This project in Marion is an environmental plus for the town and Buzzards Bay. I am glad to have successfully helped the town secure this added state funding for an additional $250,000 to help defray the costs borne by sewer users in Marion. I hope to have added success for more funding next fiscal year," Rep. Straus said.