Local leaders demand representation on Springfield Water and Sewer Commission

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Local leaders called on lawmakers on Monday to expand the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s Board to include regional representatives.

The commission was established in 1996 and for 30 years it’s been governed by a three-member board appointed by the city’s mayor. No municipality outside of Springfield has a say in water and sewer rates, infrastructure investments, and long-term planning despite the 250,000 residents the commission serves.

“Communities outside of Springfield contribute to the commission’s operating costs, help pay for major infrastructure improvements, and share in the financial consequences of the decisions that are made,” said Senator Jake Oliviera.

The commission provides drinking water and wastewater treatment to Ludlow, Agawam, Southwick, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, West Springfield, Chicopee, and Wilbraham. Leaders say their residents are left paying bills they have no control over.

“When I have a conversation with constituents of mine, whether it be in Agawam or West Springfield, they say to me that they want to talk about this, they want to talk about their rates,” said Senator John Velis. “And it is a really difficult conversation when you say to them, ‘Sorry, you don’t have a seat on this board.’ I mean, it just does not make sense to me, right?”

Last year, Governor Maura Healey filed the Mass Ready Act, which is aimed to protect the state’s water and natural resources. It’s still being reviewed and supporters say it would give those communities a direct voice in the governance.

The act would expand the commission’s governing board from three to seven members, four appointed by Springfield’s mayor and three selected through a regional advisory board.

“I think it’s important to make these changes in governance to give fair and equitable representation to the rate payers that live throughout the lower Pioneer Valley,” said Oliviera.

“This is common sense legislation,” said Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson. “Let’s see if we can get it over the finish line.”

Leaders say that as the second largest water and sewer company in Massachusetts, it’s important to shine a light on the legislation.