Town to pursue design study for undergrounding utilities in Atlantic Beach district; estimated design cost about $127,000
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Summary
Staff presented a proposal to fund an engineering study to evaluate undergrounding utilities on Lower Aquidneck Avenue in the Atlantic Beach district; Rhode Island Energy estimated design work at about $103,000 plus $24,000 for coordinating non‑electric utilities.
The Town of Middletown received an update on efforts to underground utilities in the Atlantic Beach district and was told preliminary design and coordination work with Rhode Island Energy, Verizon and Cox would cost roughly $127,000 and take about eight months to complete.
What staff reported Town Administrator Sean Brown told the council the next step requested by the council was a design-level engineering study. Rhode Island Energy estimated the study — including the design necessary to determine route, pole removal, pad-mounted transformer placement and other civil details — would take about eight months and cost approximately $103,000. The town’s consultant VHB provided a proposal to coordinate with non‑electric utilities (Cox, Verizon) at an additional cost of about $24,000.
Unknowns and dependencies Staff emphasized several open questions: the lighting-design cost is not yet estimated; Cox’s and Verizon’s charges for relocation and construction are not yet known; and the general construction cost could vary substantially. Staff also noted the state Department of Transportation roadwork schedule (a betterment project planned for 2027) and the need to coordinate timing with the state to reduce duplicate work and costs.
Funding context and next steps Staff outlined that prior concepts for the project nine years earlier had estimated multi‑million-dollar costs (figures discussed informally by staff suggested a wide range). The town will need to secure construction funding and potentially pursue state or federal resiliency and infrastructure grants; until an engineering-level price exists, precise grant or leveraging strategies cannot be finalized. Staff said he will obtain the formal proposal from Rhode Island Energy and bring it back to council for a formal vote when available.
Public comment and risk notes Stakeholders in the meeting urged the council to move forward and noted the area is a critical municipal gateway; others warned about sea-level-rise vulnerabilities and long-term shoreline impacts that could alter the commercial viability of the corridor. Councilors asked staff to provide the final Rhode Island Energy proposal and to identify potential funding sources and estimated resident/business owner contributions before any commitment to construction.