Unlike other wastewater projects around the country, the MWRA’s Deer Island project has been largely funded by the ratepayers. Federal assistance has been critical in minimizing the cumulative effect of the project on the residents of not only Congressman Moakley’s district but all of eastern Massachusetts as well. This year, Congressman Moakley was able to convince his colleagues to provide $1 million to offset the impact of the project on business and individual homeowners. Although the project itself is largely complete, long-term borrowing to finance construction will take several years to repay.

"The commitment of federal money for this project recognizes the importance of a clean Boston Harbor to the region’s environment and economy," said the Congressman. "The impact of this project has been nothing short of dramatic," he continued. "While the environmental impact can be seen just by taking a walk along the shore, this project will also provide the infrastructure necessary for Massachusetts to remain economically competitive for the next fifty years."

In thanking Congressman Moakley, MWRA Executive Director Douglas B. MacDonald labeled Moakley the "hero of ratepayers." "Working in an atmosphere of limited federal dollars Congressman Moakley has, year in and year out, come through for the homeowners and businesses inside the MWRA district," said MacDonald. Because of Moakley’s efforts, the capital cost of wastewater projects has been reduced and ratepayers have seen significant savings in water and sewer charges said MacDonald.

The $3.8 billion Boston Harbor project was begun in 1989. Since 1988, Congressman Moakley, with the help of Senator Kennedy and the rest of the state’s congressional delegation, has secured over $800 million in federal funding assistance for the project.