Boothbay Harbor Sewer District (BHSD)’s safety equipment is getting an upgrade thanks to grants from Maine Municipal Association. During a March 3 trustee meeting, Superintendent Sean Boyd said the district is applying to replace its old gas-powered air blower with an electric one, which helps disperse carbon monoxide and other harmful gases that can occur during the sewer treatment process.   

From now on, Boyd plans to apply for a grant every fall and spring to replace glasses, helmets and other equipment related to employee welfare.  

In other business, the board approved paying back the principal amount, related to a $24,000 deposit on a generator, to First National Bank, so interest doesn't accrue.

The district is financing phase 1 of its coastal resiliency project with $3.83 million in loans and $400,000 in grant money from USDA Rural Development and about $4.1 million in grants from Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund. These monies are mixed in the same account and will be moved to separate accounts at First National.