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Engineering updates: Stuyvesant Falls bridge submittal, Bridge NY contracts, EV charger routing stalled by private-tree easement issue
Summary
County engineers reported they will submit the Stuyvesant Falls bridge package to NYSDOT, expect spring construction for a County Route 7 bridge after DOT approval, and are evaluating alternatives for powering courthouse EV chargers after a private property tree blocked the preferred route.
Columbia County engineering staff told the committee the Stuyvesant Falls Bridge preferred-project package will be submitted to the New York State Department of Transportation this week. The submittal will begin the state review process, including the Section 4(f)/historic structure considerations and mitigation planning described by staff.
Staff also reported the county received numerous qualification statements from design firms for 2024 projects (18 qualification statements for two bridge projects; 28 statements for the NYSDOT Local Design Service Agreement list process) and that award and resolution approvals for Buckwheat Bridge, County Route 7 (over the road gen) and the Culver (County Route 11) are expected to follow. DOT recently approved a contract for County Route 7, and staff said construction can begin in spring when environmental and in-stream work windows open in May.
On a separate project, engineering and project partners reported a proposed row of EV chargers at the courthouse faces a routing and right-of-way problem. National Grid’s preferred route to bring three-phase power required trimming or removing a private property tree; the property owner refused permission to trim the tree and the utility indicated that because the work would be an upgrade rather than in-kind replacement it would require an easement and property-owner approval. County staff said they are evaluating two alternative routes (from an existing transformer near the courthouse or a run down Partition Street) and will await a National Grid design and cost estimate before proceeding. Staff and Livingston Energy are also reviewing whether power can be obtained from the courthouse building itself as an alternative.
Other updates: construction at the 911 center is progressing; foundation work done and contractors preparing for slab pours when temperatures allow; staff reviewed a potential add-alternate for a backup generator. The Columbia County Water and Sewer District reported a kickoff meeting for water storage tank design and that surveyors have been on-site. Airport staff and consultants are preparing a January 20 grant application to NYSDOT for new T-hangars; the FAA concurred on an AWOS location and staff will seek funding in spring if the grant is successful.
Ending: Staff said design work, DOT approvals, and utility coordination will continue; National Grid’s right-of-way and private-tree easement issue will determine the EV charger schedule at the courthouse.
