Hingham is considering a transformative, long-term solution to its water supply challenges that carries a local price tag of up to $28 million. At their meeting Tuesday, Select Board members reviewed the results of a seven-town study exploring the feasibility of connecting to the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) system, a project aimed at ensuring water redundancy and unlocking commercial development in South Hingham.

The study, presented by EPG Apex consultant Ryan Elgrove, outlined a regional need for more water, with Hingham and four neighboring towns facing a combined deficit of 2.16 million gallons per day over the next 20 years. The proposed solution involves constructing an 8- to 13-mile pipeline at a total cost of $130 to $240 million. Hingham’s share is estimated at $20 to $28 million, depending on the final route and participation from other towns.

Director of Community Planning Art C. framed the project as essential for the town's future, particularly for developing 160 acres in the South Shore Business Park and another 150 acres nearby. He noted that the MWRA is waiving its substantial entry fee until December 2027, though Hingham and its partners will likely need an extension, as the projected timeline for water delivery is 2032.

Water System Director Russ Tierney endorsed the plan, highlighting the system’s current vulnerability. One of our biggest fears is if we lose our biggest source, we start to get very stressed, he said, explaining an MWRA connection would provide crucial backup, ease strain on the treatment plant, and improve the ability to fight major fires.

Board member Julie Staley emphasized the project's direct benefit to taxpayers. Jump up five levels and just remind the community the reason that we're pursuing this is because appropriate commercial development in Hingham and enticing a more appropriate commercial development is what will help us defray taxes in town from our residents to those commercial developments, Staley said.

The meeting also featured a significant financial announcement, as Congressman Stephen Lynch, alongside State Senator Patrick O’Connor and State Representative Joan Meschino, presented the town with its final American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) check for $221,717. This brings Hingham’s total pandemic-related federal aid to more than $8.25 million.

Lynch praised the town’s leadership for its prudent use of the funds. You've done an unbelievable job, not only in protecting the people of Hingham, but also making wise investments, he said, citing the Route 3A infrastructure project and the new Public Safety Building as key examples. Senator O’Connor commended the Plymouth County Commissioners for their efficient, direct-to-towns distribution model, a sentiment echoed by Representative Meschino, who noted the funds kept people on the job in good union jobs.

Plymouth County Commissioner Jared Valenzola thanked town staff for their collaboration, which helped Hingham secure an additional allocation from surplus funds. It's about a $100 million portfolio we've dealt with through ARPA, and about $25 million of that has gone to water and sewer infrastructure in the county, Valenzola said. Clark Frasier, Chair of the Hingham Sewer Commission, added his thanks, noting the Route 3A project will add much-needed sewer capacity to the shipyard area once complete.

Following the presentation, the board formally designated the new Assistant Town Administrator for Finance, Brittney Aapony, as an authorized user for the county’s ARPA reporting portal. A motion made by J. Staley to authorize Brittney Aapony to prepare and enter information into the Plymouth County ARPA portal was seconded by L. Klein. Motion Passed 3-0.

In a shift to community celebrations, the board officially declared August 9, 2025, as Farmers Market Day. Bev Vernon of the Hingham Farmers Market invited officials to the market’s bell-ringing ceremony, noting it is the third oldest in the Commonwealth, now in its 46th season. The proclamation was also a moment of remembrance for the late Mark Collings, a beloved figure central to the market’s success. This was to do this without him is something that was not easy, but I know that continuing to do it is something that he would want to do, Vernon said.

Board Chair Liz Klein thanked Vernon and the volunteers for their work, and member Bill Ramsey offered a heartfelt tribute from his remote connection. I was very near the spot where Mark passed away recently and I was thinking of him this week, Ramsey said. I think Bev he would be so proud of the work that you've done and the way that you've stepped in... It's a wonderful community gathering spot and as you said, promotes healthy eating and it's part of the fabric of our community now. A motion made by J. Staley to proclaim August 9th, 2025 as Farmers Market Day was seconded by L. Klein. Motion Passed 3-0.

The board also tended to several business matters, granting a request from Chipotle Mexican Grill at 92 Derby Street to extend its closing time to 11:00 p.m. daily, a change Town Administrator Tom Mayo said had no objections from the police chief. One-day liquor licenses were also granted for two upcoming events at Weir River Farm: a Sunset Picnic on July 31 featuring Vitamin C Brewing, and the River Rock Music Festival on September 6 with the Decanted Wine Truck.