Town meeting members in Westport last night approved the construction of a new Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School.
The article was approved by a margin larger than the two-thirds majority needed for passage. Following a brief presentation by Diman officials, resident and local electrician Rene Lachapelle spoke in favor of the project. He is a 1979 graduate of Diman and has hired many former graduates. He says the region needs to continue to support the education of those seeking jobs in construction and other trades.
Under the plan to construct the $293.5 million dollar high school, Westport will be asked to pay $445,000 a year for 30 years, a projected increase in taxes for homeowners of approximately $33 a year for homes with a valuation of $300,000.
Three of the four communities within Diman’s service area have approved the project. Somerset town meeting members lent their support earlier this year and the Fall River City Council voted to approve the project in February. Swansea town meeting members are expected to vote later this month.
If Swansea votes to deny the project, Diman has the option to hold a region-wide referendum to garner support.
Diman is slated to receive over $140 million from the state to help in constructing the new high school on Stonehaven Road.
Video courtesy Westport Community TV
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