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DPW budget largely flat; drainage repairs, STIP road and equipment replacements highlighted
Summary
Public Works operating budgets are essentially level-funded. Councilors heard updates on continued drainage pipe replacements, on-state STIP involvement for South Pier Road, and on vehicle/equipment replacement and anti-corrosion maintenance.
Darren, speaking for the Department of Public Works, told the council the DPW operating budgets rose only modestly and are "pretty much level funded," with about a 1.2% increase in operating lines overall.
Key capital and program points: - Drainage pipe replacement: the DPW requested $100,000 to replace rotting steel drainage pipes; staff said that amount funds roughly 800 linear feet of pipe in typical conditions. - Eastward Look and other localized drainage work are underway; the town has been performing in-house milling and paving when possible. - South Pier Road: DPW staff said South Pier Road is a town road that connects two state arteries and has been placed on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). If a project is funded on the STIP, the state pays; the town has discussed a subrecipient agreement to manage work if necessary, but the state's preliminary funding numbers have not covered full reconstruction costs. "It is a town road...it is on the STIP program," staff said, adding that earlier state proposals did not cover the town's full cost. - ARPA/state match for larger road reconstruction: the council was told there is state ARPA funding that requires a local match (about 30–33%). Staff stressed the town must provide its committed match or risk returning awarded money. - Pavement preservation: DPW described use of chip-seal, smaller aggregate and rejuvenator and fog seals to extend pavement life economically. Staff said this approach can give roads a smoother feel and extends useful life as a less costly alternative to full reconstruction. - Equipment and vehicles: the department requested partial funding for a new street sweeper, a half-funded six-wheel dump/plow truck and other vehicle replacements as part of a multi-year replacement program. DPW also seeks a vacuum/"factor" truck (hydro excavation and basin cleaning). Officials noted the town has increased underbody anti-corrosion maintenance on its fleet (fluid film and a newer product) to extend vehicle life.
Councilors asked about recycling and staffing. Darren said recycling currently shows a -100% swing in the line item because a prior grant ended and the town now shares a recycling coordinator with South Kingstown; remaining balances are being expended from a separate recycling fund.
Several road reconstruction projects already under way were listed: portions of Pernagro and Great Island, Mollusk Island Road, Marine Drive, Elm and a segment of Old Point Judith Road near the country club. Staff said a public schedule is available on the town website for roads under construction.
