With less than two weeks to go before a crucial vote on the town's $35 million greater Route 6 water and sewer project, Westport officials visited the nation's capital last week to discuss with lawmakers the town's request for an appropriation to help fund the project.

Manny Soares and Christopher Thrasher of the Infrastructure Oversight Committee, and Evan Gendreau of the Westport School Committee, met with Senator Ed Markey's staff to discuss federal support for the project, which would see the construction of water and sewer lines along Route 6 from Fall River to Dartmouth.

Those behind the long-planned project say it will economically revitalize the north end, help the town financially and result in a much cleaner Westport River. Voters will decide on Tuesday, April 9, whether the town should seek a debt exclusion that would allow the project to be bonded locally.

Soares, Thrasher and Gendreau met with Markey's legislative staff, describing the project and its importance to Westport.

Apart from funds that would result if the debt exclusion passes, Westport is seeking federal funding to support the project. If passed, federal funds would reduce the cost burden on Westport taxpayers.