The Westerly Town Council meeting on October 28, 2024, was dominated by discussions surrounding the condition and future of the town's dam and the proposed fishway project. A key focus was the engineering challenges posed by the existing dam, which features a deteriorating timber structure alongside a robust concrete spillway. Experts warned that the timber portion is at high risk of failure, particularly during severe storm events, raising concerns about public safety and environmental impact.

Council members and engineers debated the merits of various alternatives for the fishway design, with some advocating for a return to a more natural state of the river. However, engineers emphasized that the materials chosen for the fishway are critical for ensuring stability and fish passage during extreme weather conditions. They noted that while the design aims to withstand significant storm events, the current dam's condition complicates the situation.

Tensions flared as council members questioned the decision-making process and the financial implications of the project. One councilor highlighted that the town has already invested approximately $150,000 in engineering services, prompting concerns about accountability and transparency in the ongoing project.

As discussions continued, the council faced pressure to make a decision on the preferred alternative for the fishway, despite calls for more data and analysis. The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing engineering needs with community expectations and environmental considerations, setting the stage for further deliberations in the coming weeks.