By Anthony V. Coppola, Staff Writer
EAST WINDSOR While the township Municipal Utilities Authority has received state Department of Environmental Protection approval for upgrades to the local water plant and expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, word on $30 million in potential funding for the project has yet to be announced.
However, MUA Executive Director Joe Sokol said last week that “things look positive” for the authority in terms of funding.
The MUA is seeking zero- and low-interest loans from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust an independent state financing authority. Mr. Sokol previously expected to receive word by summer’s end.
“Now we are hoping to hear by November,” he said.
In June, the MUA approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds totaling $30.6 million, something Mr. Sokol said was required in order for any loans to be approved.
Mr. Sokol stressed that the $30 million overall figure $12.2 million for the wastewater treatment plant and $18 million for the water plant is a “conservative estimate,” and that the two projects could turn out to cost less after bids are solicited and received.
Mr. Sokol said he anticipates advertising for bids for the wastewater treatment plant Oct. 17, with a contract awarded in January. As for the water plant, bids will likely be sought Nov. 9 and a contract awarded in February, according to the executive director.
The expansion to the water plant, off North Main Street, would allow the authority to treat water from two nearby wells simultaneously, making a greater amount available, Mr. Sokol has explained. At present, only one well’s water can be treated at a time.
The planned improvements to the sewage facility, on Millstone Road near the Plainsboro border, would allow its capacity to increase from about 3.4 million gallons per day to about 4.5 million gallons per day, Mr. Sokol has said.
He also previously explained that that the township’s rising population and commercial growth over the past decade is the reason for that project. According to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, the township’s population grew about 6 percent in the 1990s, from 22,000 people to 25,000 people (now 26,686) and is projected to exceed 30,000 people by 2010.
Mr. Sokol estimated project completion would take 18 to 24 months and does not expect any increases in residents’ service rates or service interruptions as a result of either of the upgrades.

