FARMINGTON – A long-needed wastewater repair project took a jump up the priority list Tuesday as selectmen voted unanimously to authorize the town manager to pursue the most cost-effective method to address the issue.

A line covering properties from Perham to Middle street onto Quebec Street near the Fitness Center at the University of Maine at Farmington and along Tannery Brook has been on the Sewer Department’s list of capital improvements for some time.

The 10-inch pipe is 50 years old and has dips in the line causing backups where sewage collects, Steve Moore, superintendent of the waste water treatment facility, told the board.

Interest in addressing the issue increased as Town Manager Richard Davis told selectmen the town could be eligible for a federal rural development grant that would pay for 75 percent of the estimated $534,300 cost with the town taking on the remaining 25 percent as a loan.

The issue becomes an environmental health issue as the overflow runs into Tannery Brook. That fact adds to the likelihood of receiving the grant, Davis said.

Based on project estimates from Dirigo Engineering, the town could apply for grant funds of $400,725 and a loan of $133,575.

Applying for an American Recovery Shovel-Ready Project grant within the next 30-days, the town could expect a better chance of receiving the funding, Davis said. Based on first come, first served, towns that are ready will be getting in line.

Farmington will probably never see an opportunity like this again, he said.

Another option to correct the problem could be to create pumping stations along streets, Moore said.

Selectman Dennis Pike suggested tabling the item until the board’s next meeting. He wanted more information including the costs of pumping stations versus replacing the line. He also wanted an opportunity for citizens to voice their input, especially property owners who have not been notified.

Given that selectmen don’t meet next until April 14, members decided not to wait but to authorize Davis and Moore to start the application process.

The town could refuse the grant. The money doesn’t have to be accepted until the project goes to bid, Davis said.

Selectmen also discussed a proposal to bring a sewer line extension from Route 2 and 4 up Whittier Road to Mt. Blue High School.

SAD 9 approached the town about extending the line as work progresses on the high school renovation and addition. The state would be willing to fund a portion of the work, Davis said.

“We’ll never get it done any less expensively with no adverse impact on current users,” he said.

Selectmen agreed to continue talks with SAD 9, although the Mt. Blue line is contingent on construction costs and the amount the state would pay.