Select Board backs two One-Stop grant applications for downtown planning and wastewater site work

The Select Board voted unanimously May 20 to support two One-Stop grant applications that the town’s planning and wastewater teams are preparing: a downtown community planning grant and a wastewater engineering/site-evaluation grant.

Town staff and consultants explained the downtown grant would fund a consolidated community planning effort to tie together multiple prior studies and produce clear redevelopment scenarios for the downtown. The town is seeking a planning grant in the $20,000–$50,000 range; matching funds of 25 percent would be required if the award is made. Town staff noted in-kind municipal staff time may count toward the match and that the Select Board would identify an appropriate funding source if the grant is awarded.

Select Board member Andrew Dennington moved the board’s support for both grant applications and for the town to identify matching funds should the grants be awarded. The motion passed 5–0.

The second application seeks funds to support engineering work and site assessments for a potential wastewater treatment solution along Route 9 and downtown, including soil borings and technical studies. That engineering request would be larger and was discussed with state program staff; consultant Weston & Sampson is preparing application materials on the town’s behalf.

Select Board members and staff said the grants would not obligate the town to carry out any particular construction project; rather they would provide funding to plan and evaluate options. The board authorized the Select Board chair to sign the grant applications and directed town staff to return with more detailed funding and matching plans if awards are made.