Town of Rutland planning staff reported that the Pine Hill Park project cleared an initial review and the town has been invited to submit a full application for a federal grant administered through the state-level Forest, Parks & Recreation program.

Staff described new application requirements that focus on climate resilience and flood‑hazard planning. Commissioners and staff reviewed proposed maintenance commitments for park features, procedures for closing the site after major flooding, invasive species management, and construction and maintenance roles for town crews and contractors. The design presented to the commission no longer includes a kayak launch; staff said the launch had been removed because of river currents and right‑of‑way constraints.

On scope and cost, staff said the total project cost under the current design is approximately $41.65 million and that the town is seeking roughly $31.75 million from the grant with a town match of about $999,900. Commissioners asked for clearer budget text for the application and noted the town included $3,500 in the budget to cover a possible archaeological review. Staff also said the application requests funding for project administration (an 80‑hour project coordinator), contracted trail builders and landscapers to handle invasive species, and use of town equipment for selective tasks such as vegetation removal and parking improvements.

Commissioners discussed practical flood‑safety steps for the park, including siting picnic tables on higher ground or using anchored tables, temporary closure procedures, and whether to add solar‑powered or volunteer‑deployed flood warning signs. Staff said the grant application deadline is January 31 and that the town will continue working with state staff to address the new climate‑resilience form and endangered‑species questions that were highlighted in review comments.

The commission did not take a vote on the application itself at the meeting; staff will continue preparing the full application and follow up with Forest, Parks & Recreation and the town highway and emergency management staff as needed.