The Select Board was told the planned dam removal that ties into the Main Street bridge project remains stalled while the town awaits final approvals from FEMA and state historic preservation authorities and resolves an ecological timing constraint related to bat species.

Town Manager Jeff said the FEMA funding remains locked in but that FEMA has been slow to provide final approvals, a situation he described as the agency being "paralyzed" and delaying decisions staff expected months earlier. He said the design and construction schedule for the Main Street bridge depends on whether the dam is present or removed because the bridge design must account for both conditions.

On timing, the manager said there is a narrow seasonal window: contractors can remove a dam in "2 months" but must do the work between bat and trout seasons. He warned, "My confidence is is not going to happen this construction season," noting approximately six weeks of workable time remain given biological restrictions.

Board members asked about elevating the issue to federal legislative representatives. The manager agreed to coordinate with board leadership to seek help from federal offices to speed FEMA's approvals.

Why it matters: Dam removal is tied to the bridge design and construction schedule; delay in federal approvals and biological constraints could push bridge work into later years, affecting the town's capital plan and timelines.

Background: The Main Street bridge and related water‑line and tank projects remain on the town's schedule, but the dam removal is a prerequisite for some design elements. The town's engineer for the bridge, Gary LaRoche, will present final plans when approvals allow.

Next steps: Town staff said they will engage the federal delegation to press for timely FEMA action and report back at the next board meeting.