Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

Lancaster’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident in its proactive approach to waterline projects. “That’s one of the essentials that you have to deliver to your residents, for safety, to keep them happy, and so on,” Ruffino portrays. “In 2022, we updated almost seven miles of water lines, costing us about $5.8 million. And this year, 2023, over three miles, for $4.2 million. The planning for 2024 is about two miles, and a cost of $3.3 million.” The town also prioritizes long-term infrastructure sustainability and has a 10-year plan with the highway department for road repaving and restructuring projects. Ruffino recounts a decision to prioritize quality over quick fixes during a road project.Advised by the highway superintendent, they opted for comprehensive road restructuring instead of patching, which was destined to fail in a short time. “Sure, it’s going to cost you a little bit more at that 166 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01