Select board approves multiple grant signatures as Bridge 43 materials are delayed

The select board reviewed a cluster of transportation and infrastructure grants and approved motions to sign grant agreements. The board authorized the chair to sign the Better Roads Category D Athens Road culvert upsize grant (award $56,000; 20% match estimated at $11,200) after discussion about whether the grant amount will fully cover a box‑culvert design. Members noted larger project costs may require additional town funds or future votes.

Board members also explained that Bridge 43 has an award of $200,000 with a 10% town match and a total project cost estimated "a little over $400,000," though material delays mean the earliest delivery of components is likely late October and the project team aims to complete work before Thanksgiving if possible. The board said VTrans and grant administrators are helping with schedules; the Bridge 41 engineering study RFP produced no bidders and will be rewritten with VTrans guidance. The board received updates on HSIP guardrail funding (approximately $46,985 expected), a TAP grant award for stormwater mitigation ($48,000 award with $12,000 match), and other local highway grant activity.