Select Board approves applying for $300,000 federal grant to study pedestrian and bicycle connections

A civil engineering consultant who has worked with the town presented details of a federal grant opportunity and the Select Board voted to apply for $300,000 to study options for pedestrian and bicycle connections between key town destinations.

Stephanie (civil engineering consultant) described the U.S. Rural and Tribal Assistance Program pilot, saying the program funds rural transportation projects and that Brentwood qualifies as "rural" under the program. She told the board, "This grant program, there's no low local match requirement," and that applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The proposed study would evaluate alternatives (sidewalks, shared-use paths, bike lanes) to connect the school, library and recreation facilities and would include safety and constructability assessments, right-of-way and environmental reviews, cost estimates, and public engagement such as workshops or surveys. Stephanie said the grant would fund a consultant-led feasibility design; if the town later pursued construction of a preferred alternative it would likely require a separate grant and possibly a local match or Town Meeting approval.

Board members asked whether Route 125 (a state highway) would cooperate; the consultant said projects that touch state jurisdiction are commonly advanced by towns in partnership with NHDOT and that acceptance into the state—s program is possible once a preferred alternative and supporting study are prepared.

On a roll call the Select Board approved submitting the grant application; members noted that applying does not commit the town to construction or local funding. The board asked staff to proceed promptly because the grant application window opened that afternoon and the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis.