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Engineers outline bridge schedules, EV‑charger routing concerns and airport grant purchases
Summary
Engineering staff updated the committee on multiple bridge and culvert projects, sought CTAC funding, briefed on National Grid proposals for EV chargers that may require tree removals on the courthouse square, and requested procurement approvals to spend FAA grant funds on pre‑purchases for the 11 Warren Street project.
Columbia County engineering staff told the committee they have submitted project packages to the state Department of Transportation and expect bids and construction schedules for several bridge and culvert projects in 2025. Staff asked the committee to consider a CTAC (County Transportation Advisory Committee) meeting to seek additional funding for a federally funded bridge and described timing constraints tied to trout‑spawning windows.
Bridges and schedules: staff said County Route 7 (project described in transcript) will use three‑sided precast elements and anticipates production in March, with in‑stream work restricted June 30 to Sept. 30. The Mill Hill Road bridge project is out to bid with a hoped‑for March award to enable construction this year. Easements for the Punzett Creek bridge are complete; staff has obtained an extension from DOT to preserve funding and hopes to bid in April.
DOT and CTAC: staff said final construction documents were submitted to New York State DOT for approval and that the county completed the Region 8 consultant scoring for local design services for 2025–2029.
EV chargers and National Grid routing concerns: staff briefed the committee about National Grid's proposed pole locations to serve county EV chargers near the courthouse. National Grid's preferred layout would place poles on county property and may require removal of trees in the courthouse square; staff said stakes marking pole locations were in place and described at least two trees identified for removal in the square. Committee members asked about alternative routes and whether the county could influence National Grid's routing to reduce impacts on historic trees; staff said National Grid is the utility and generally determines routing but the county can engage and request alternatives.
Airport and FAA funding: staff reported they submitted FAA grant applications for an AWOS system and parking-lot reconstruction and asked the committee to approve pre‑purchases (office furniture, HVAC equipment, generator, lighting and fire alarm components) to draw down grant funds before the June deadline. The committee approved two resolutions to accept state DOT funds to reimburse the county for master plan and lighting work (amounts cited as $17,000 and $51,000 in the transcript).
Water and sewer inquiries: staff reported contact from Orchard Dodge seeking additional water service and a possible sewer connection for a 15,000–16,000 square‑foot maintenance facility; staff said more information is required on anticipated usage and will refer the proposal to the water and sewer subcommittee.
Why it matters: the projects affect capital spending, construction season planning and the courthouse square character if tree removal proceeds. Staff emphasized scheduling constraints tied to funding deadlines and environmental (trout spawning) windows.
What's next: staff will seek consultant fee proposals, prepare bid awards for committee consideration and continue coordination with National Grid and FAA funding processes.
