WILTON — An income survey of Wilton sewer department customers could qualify the town for better grant funding for the sewage treatment plant upgrade.

It’s a confidential survey asking for the total adjusted gross household income from tax forms. The survey could help the town qualify for a higher level of a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Town Manager Rhonda Irish said. The town plans to apply for the USDA grant. The survey may also be used next year during a possible Community Development Block Grant application, she said.

Although the town approved taking the survey previously, Irish updated selectmen Tuesday on plans to hire two college students to knock on doors toward the end of February.

“It won’t affect many people. Only a certain percentage of sewer users is needed,” she said. “Two students will go around together.”

Engineers from Olver Associates of Winterport will provide their final assessment report of the treatment plant to selectmen at their next meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at the town office. The engineers have looked at several alternatives for the 31-year-old plant that has outlived its design expectancy by 10 years, she said.

After the report is given to the board, it will be revised prior to a public hearing and before the town begins seeking funding, Bill Olver previously told the board.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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