Bridgeport reviews $4.3 million in proposed 2026 capital requests; grants expected to cover roughly $1.7–1.8 million

Council heard a presentation of proposed capital funding requests for the 2026 Bridgeport Borough budget that, taken together, total about $4.3 million.

Staff presented department-by-department requests: parks projects totaling $1.65 million (Memorial Park improvements estimated at $650,000; Front Street Pocket Park funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and disaster-relief CDBG at about $1,017,000; and design work for the rail-trail spur at $100,000). The sewer department listed a major repair — reconstruction of primary trickling filter No. 1 damaged previously by a sinkhole — with an estimated cost of $750,000; staff said insurance is expected to cover about $528,000 of that expense. Public works street projects were presented at $800,000, including a CDBG-funded storm inlet and ADA ramp replacement project (about $300,000 total, with roughly $200,000 already awarded in CDBG funds) and a $500,000 rehabilitation of the 440 Mill Street (former Camelot) parking lot seeking grant funding. Community development staff recommended a $1,000,000 placeholder to acquire and clear property for future municipal uses; presenters said identified parcels vary in size and cost and that borrowing and debt service would be considered if costs exceed available fund balance. The police department requested $100,000 in carryover and new capital items including radar speed signs, body-worn cameras, ballistic vests, radio microphones, accreditation tracking software and replacement vehicles; staff noted one patrol vehicle purchase had been authorized in the 2025 budget and that the department plans to proceed with a replacement order before the end of 2025.

Staff said the Bridgeport Fire Department abstained from submitting 2026 capital requests while awaiting the results of a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) departmental study. Presenters emphasized that the listed totals include both grant-funded and general-fund asks and that at least about $1.7 million to $1.8 million of the $4.3 million total is expected to be covered by grants or other alternate sources.

No council action was required that evening; the presenter said the council would have additional meetings and will adopt the 2026 budget at a later meeting, anticipated in December.

Details by department (as presented) • Parks — $1,650,000 total (Memorial Park improvements $650,000; Front Street Pocket Park ~ $1,017,000 in CDBG grant funding; rail-trail design $100,000). Staff noted a pending decision on a local share account grant that could cover $543,000 of the Memorial Park estimate. • Sewer — $750,000 (primary trickling filter No. 1 repair; insurance expected to cover about $528,000). • Public works (streets) — $800,000 (storm inlet and ADA ramp replacements estimated $300,000 with $200,000 covered by CDBG; 440 Mill Street lot rehabilitation $500,000 seeking grants). • Community development — $1,000,000 placeholder for potential land acquisition/demolition; costs may exceed this and could require borrowing. • Police — $100,000 (equipment carryover and vehicle replacement; department to finalize vehicle purchase authorized in the 2025 budget).

The presenter said there were no actions for council that evening on these capital requests; staff invited questions and indicated more meetings and budget review would follow before final adoption.