SECTION 1. In order to address certain unforeseeable contingencies resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which have contributed to delays with ongoing construction and installation of critical, legally mandated improvements to the City of Taunton wastewater treatment plant, sewers, and pump stations as necessary to protect public health and the natural environment, and to ensure the successful completion of said improvements, notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, said city may enter into one additional term of renewal, not to exceed five years, of such contract or contracts as are presently in existence pursuant to the authority of Chapter 362 of the Acts of 1996 for the operation and maintenance, financing, design and construction of modifications, and installation of new equipment and systems, of said city’s wastewater treatment plant, sewers and pump stations. Such renewal or extension shall be in accordance with terms and conditions acceptable to the city at its sole discretion. Upon the expiration of such term of renewal, any subsequent contract for the lease or sale, operation and maintenance, financing, design and construction of modifications, and installation of new equipment and systems necessary at the wastewater treatment plant, sewers and pump stations, shall be procured pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter 362 of the Acts of 1996.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.