Sewer Upgrades Will Allow Milford's Athletic Brewing Company To Grow

MILFORD, CT — The Board of Aldermen approved $4.7 million bonding for sewer improvements around the city, including some that will allow Athletic Brewing Company to expand its operations.

The brewery has agreed to pay for the $1.87 million of the financing, which will cover upgrades specific to its use, Mayor Ben Blake said at a Board of Aldermen meeting.

Athletic Brewing is currently approved for 20,000 gallons of wastewater discharge a day, but wants to increase to 80,000, Blake said.

There is a risk that the city would have to cover the costs if the company went out of business, but Blake said that would be unlikely.

“Athletic Brewing Company has demonstrated that they are well-backed, well-financed and moving forward at a very quick clip,” he said.

Athletic Brewing Company is one of the country's largest non-alcoholic brewers. It opened its 150,000 square foot facility in June.

An engineering firm determined that the upgrades for Athletic Brewing would likely be necessary at some point in the future, regardless of whether the brewery was there.

The proposal will now go to the city Sewer Commission, which will authorize the project and put it out to bid.