Sewer Grants for Phase 1 Connections

As Orleans moves closer to its mid-March Phase 1 sewer connection deadline, the town just reached into the past to find some incentives to move residents over the current finish line.  

What are Orleans' sewer grants?

22 January 2024 - ORLEANS, MA - As Orleans moves closer to its mid-March Phase 1 sewer connection deadline, the town just reached into the past to find some incentives to move residents over the current finish line.  Earlier this month, it announced it had received state approval to use a decades old pool of septic funds to offer $7500 grants to help year-round homeowners complete the mandatory connection.

Why are there sewer grants?

According to the Town of Orleans online Sewer System FAQ fact sheet, the cost for connecting to the sewer varies widely and expenses includes permitting and engineering, as well as actual construction, installation, and hook up. It suggests a property owner could spend anywhere between $7000 and $40,000 depending on the specifics of the site – a not insignificant investment.

Alexandra Fitch, the town’s director of health and human services, said the town wanted to find ways to help residents who were struggling financially with the connection requirement

Where do the sewer loans come from?

Decades ago, the town had a pool of state funds to help with the cost of Title V septic compliance. The fund still contained just under $200,000 and  - as connecting to sewer became the replacement for Title V septic treatment - the town wondered if these funds might be part of a solution. 

Fitch said the town received state approval to apply the funds for sewer connection costs and on January 6 Orleans opened up its new sewer grant program. The program will accept requests for up to $7500 until the funds have been disbursed.

Who can apply for a sewer grant?

Applicants for the connection grant need to meet three qualifications: First, they need to be under the official order to connect – in other words, their home is within the Phase 1 zone, which roughly mirrors the Orleans downtown district. Second, they must own and occupy year round a single family home. And third they must have been pre-approved for  Barnstable County’s Cape Cod Aquafund loan program.

How can Orleans residents apply for the grant?

According to Fitch, the application form is available both online and at the town's health department. Residents should complete the short form and return it to the health department. The grant process will remain open until all the funds have been awarded.