Engineering update: multiple Bridge New York projects under construction; county outlines roughly $70 million in capital work

County engineering staff told the Public Works Committee that contractors are making progress on several bridge projects on County Route 7 and other roads and that the county's multi-year capital program will require substantial state and federal aid. On County Route 7 in Gallatin, staff reported contractors are working on footings and stem walls, rebar and storing a three-sided precast culvert awaiting delivery. "Contractors currently working on the footings and stem walls, forming those up and installing rebar," the presenter said, adding that DOT had inspected and accepted a precast structure already. A separate County Route 7 Bridge New York project over Punza Creek began construction on Monday with detour signage in place and stream work to follow after recent storms. Staff said they had secured a precaster slot that became available when another project postponed, which will help the county finish that project before winter. The engineer also reported borings completed on a nearby bridge replacement project with a 22-ton weight limit. Staff described a separate slope-failure design effort near County Route 7 involving a small spring and coordination with the state. The county is also finalizing reimbursements and paperwork on closing Fish and Game Road, and said materials delays pushed a 911 call-center completion estimate into October; long-lead items such as wall panels were expected in October and VCT installation would allow server-room work to start. Budget context: the presenter told the committee that the capital program includes about 25 projects over five to six years totaling about $70 million, and that about $50 million of that total is expected to be funded by federal and state aid. Why it matters: bridge and road projects affect public safety and mobility; state and federal aid will pay a large share of projects but local budgeting decisions and schedules will determine pace of work. Any votes: the committee approved several routine highway personnel and equipment authorizations and motions on purchases during the meeting, but no single vote changed the capital program major funding assumptions. Follow-up: engineering staff said they will continue to monitor precaster deliveries, finish design work on emergent slope repairs, and provide schedule updates to the committee.