PFAS settlements, grants bring cash to Acton coffers

More money is flowing into town coffers after settlements with manufacturers blamed for “forever chemical” pollution. 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS chemicals, show up in products ranging from firefighting foam to waterproof coatings. They’ve sparked concern because of their health risks, prompting many communities — including Acton — to plan expensive filtration projects. 

Federal courts approved deals for 3M, DuPont, Tyco Fire Products, and BASF Corp. in 2024 and 2025. Cities and towns nationwide are getting money. Payouts to Acton have ramped up in recent months. 

“We’re pleased to see the funds coming in,” Town Manager Kerry Lafleur told the Select Board. 

Contributions from 3M climbed to $657,527 by mid-December, according to town Communications Manager Donna McIntosh. Acton leaders expect annual 3M payments totaling more than $1.23 million through 2033. 

McIntosh said officials expect an initial $123,661 sum from DuPont “within the next few months.” She said officials didn’t have an estimate for total DuPont payments.

Lafleur said Tyco and BASF would pay an estimated $114,500. 

Officials are putting money into Acton’s water enterprise fund to help with treatment projects. In 2024, voters approved borrowing $50 million for PFAS mitigation and other upgrades. Lafleur told The Bridge that officials still plan to borrow that sum.

Water rates jumped for the current fiscal year, in part to help repay PFAS mitigation debt.

Firefighter training

Facing pressure to find new revenue beyond residential property taxes, Lafleur touted Acton’s recent grant-writing success. 

A roughly $21,000 award from the Leary Firefighters Foundation will give firefighters a rare chance for “live fire” training. 

The grant will cover roughly two-thirds of the training cost for the entire Acton Fire Department. The department will pay the rest from its budget, according to a town announcement. 

Firefighters will train at the Worcester Fire Department’s live burn facility, a multi-story site where crews get hands-on experience.

Fire Chief Brian Whitney told The Bridge that this is “a rare opportunity, primarily due to the costs.” He thinks it’s been at least 20 years since Acton last offered this level of training. 

‘Digital accessibility’ 

Another $125,000 award from the state will help with “digital accessibility and program accessibility.” 

Assistant Town Manager Jessica Porter told The Bridge that Acton will hire a consultant to help make services such as the town website more accessible. A consultant will also consider ways to ensure programs in departments such as the Recreation Department and the library are welcoming to all.

While lauding the successes, Lafleur acknowledged to the Select Board last month, “I know we’re not making the same kind of progress” on payment-in-lieu-of-tax agreements with non-profits — a key goal for some town leaders and watchdogs.

Grants account for only a small share of the town’s revenue, roughly 79% of which came from residential property taxes in the 2025 fiscal year, according to an August report from Economic Vitality Manager Mimi Graney.