Municipal Services for a Sustainable Future
At FERN CORP, we understand the complex challenges municipalities face in upgrading and maintaining critical infrastructure, particularly amid rising environmental concerns and stricter regulations. Across the South Coast, towns and cities are under increasing pressure to improve drinking water, sewage systems, manage nitrogen pollution, and expand water and sewer coverage, all while staying within budget and navigating political and regulatory hurdles. FERN CORP partners with local governments to provide end-to-end services that guide municipalities through every step of these vital projects—from planning and funding to execution and compliance.
Comprehensive Municipal Services
Project Management: Efficient Solutions for Complex Challenges
Municipal infrastructure projects frequently face delays, budget overruns, missed funding opportunities, and challenges related to local funding approvals, such as debt exclusions, tax implications, and fiscal planning considerations. These complexities can significantly burden municipalities and their staff, especially those unfamiliar with the technical details and processes involved. By partnering with FERN CORP, local governments can ensure efficient project completion while reducing their administrative workload.
Effective coordination among diverse stakeholders, agencies, and funding sources is critical for success. At FERN CORP, we specialize in municipal project management, working closely with town officials, contractors, and regulatory bodies to streamline efforts. Whether we’re constructing new drinking water or wastewater treatment facilities or expanding sewer systems, we thoroughly evaluate each project for potential funding opportunities, including options beyond local resources. Our commitment to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards drives us to anticipate challenges and address them proactively, ensuring that projects remain on track.
Key Project Management Services:
- Full lifecycle project management—from feasibility studies to final inspections
- Contractor coordination and oversight to ensure quality and efficiency
- Stakeholder engagement, including public hearings and community outreach
- Regular progress reporting to maintain transparency for local officials and residents
Grant Assistance and SRF Application: Securing the Funds You Need
Large infrastructure projects often come with significant costs. FERN CORP helps municipalities secure low-interest loans and grant funding through state and federal programs like the State Revolving Fund (SRF). Our expertise in preparing compelling applications ensures towns meet all necessary requirements and maximize their chances of obtaining crucial financial support.
Our Grant and SRF Application Services Include:
- Identifying eligible grant opportunities (e.g., Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), EPA, Federal and Massachusetts-specific funding pools)
- Preparing comprehensive SRF applications for low-interest loans
- Managing submission timelines to ensure timely approval
- Strategic planning to allocate funds across multiple projects
Inspection and Compliance: Navigating Regulatory Requirements
Municipal infrastructure projects must comply with local and state regulations, such as environmental standards, sewer regulations, and local bylaws. FERN CORP keeps municipalities up-to-date on regulatory changes, like Massachusetts’ nitrogen reduction targets, ensuring your projects meet all compliance requirements from start to finish. We also support municipalities in developing town meeting articles to secure community backing for critical infrastructure improvements.
Inspection and Compliance Services Include:
- Detailed inspections at every project stage
- Ensuring adherence to environmental regulations, including nitrogen reduction targets
- Development and management of town meeting articles for project approval
- Ongoing compliance monitoring to avoid costly delays or fines
Cost Projections and Betterments: Building Financial Sustainability
Understanding the financial impact of infrastructure projects is essential for sustainable municipal planning. FERN CORP provides transparent, accurate cost projections and helps towns develop betterment programs to distribute project costs equitably among residents. We also offer long-term budgeting strategies to ensure financial stability for future infrastructure needs.
Our Cost Projection and Betterment Services Include:
- Detailed cost analyses for project planning
- Developing betterment programs to distribute costs fairly among residents
- Financial impact assessments for town officials and residents
- Long-term budgeting strategies for future expansions and maintenance
Regulatory and Environmental Assistance: Meeting Nitrogen Reduction Targets
Massachusetts’ stricter nitrogen reduction targets, especially in watersheds like Wareham River and New Bedford Harbor, require municipalities to adopt innovative solutions for reducing nitrogen from sewage and septic systems. FERN CORP supports municipalities in developing environmentally sustainable strategies while balancing financial feasibility. We explore innovative technologies, like cluster treatment systems and denitrifying septic technologies, to help communities meet environmental goals.
Our Regulatory and Environmental Services Include:
- Strategic planning to meet nitrogen reduction targets in affected watersheds
- Consulting on sewage and septic system upgrades for compliance
- Exploring innovative solutions, such as cluster treatment systems and denitrifying technologies
- Assisting with environmental permits and negotiations with regulatory agencies
Recent Projects: Supporting South Coast Communities
FERN CORP has successfully partnered with multiple South Coast towns on critical infrastructure projects. For example:
- Westport: One of the last towns in the region without a sewer system, Westport has faced significant challenges in expanding infrastructure. FERN CORP is working closely with town officials to rebuild community support and develop alternative funding strategies to move forward with essential improvements.
Roadway Planning & Transportation Services
In addition to water and wastewater infrastructure, FERN CORP offers comprehensive roadway and transportation planning services. We help municipalities manage their transportation networks effectively by providing guidance on long-term planning and navigating state funding programs like Chapter 90 (CH90) and the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
Our Roadway and Transportation Services Include:
- Pavement management plans to prioritize road repairs and upgrades
- Transportation studies for long-range planning and infrastructure investments
- Public engagement to gather community input and support
- Assistance with grant writing and applications for transportation funding
- Drafting general conditions and specifications for solicitations through Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
Pavement Management Plans: Proactive Roadway Maintenance
FERN CORP assists municipalities in developing Pavement Management Plans for cost-effective roadway maintenance, helping prioritize repairs and secure long-term funding.
CH90 and STIP Project Support: Navigating Funding and Compliance
FERN CORP offers specialized support for CH90 and STIP projects, ensuring municipalities secure funding and meet regulatory requirements while delivering roadway improvements on time and within budget.
Our CH90 and STIP Services Include:
- Navigating funding processes and managing documentation
- Project planning and design assistance to meet state standards
- Contractor coordination to ensure timely, on-budget project completion
- Public engagement to build community support
Partnering for a Sustainable Future
At FERN CORP, we believe that municipalities deserve access to the tools, expertise, and resources necessary to build sustainable, resilient infrastructure. From project management to regulatory compliance and financial planning, we offer tailored solutions for each community’s unique needs. Together, we can build a future that balances environmental responsibility, economic growth, and public health.