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DNCR seeks to reallocate smaller projects to bolster Cannon Mountain tram replacement bid
Summary
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources asked senators to shift two lower‑priority capital items into DNCR’s tram allocation to support a second round of bidding on a replacement Cannon Mountain tram.
The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources asked the Senate Capital Budget Committee to reallocate two smaller capital projects into the department’s Cannon Mountain tram appropriation to support a renewed procurement and move the tram replacement process forward.
Commissioner Sarah Stewart told senators her department’s top priority in the agency package is the Cannon Mountain tram. Stewart said the agency currently has $26 million in the capital budget for the tram and asked the committee to consider moving two line items — a Lake Umbagog marina project (about $925,000, partially federal) and Connecticut Lakes headwaters road repairs (about $1.4 million) — into the tram allocation to reach nearly $28 million for the tram effort and allow a second round of bidding.
Jace Worth, manager of Franconia Notch State Park, said the department previously went to bid and received one firm bid of about $33 million; engineers and DNCR argued that a detailed structural analysis of existing concrete footings could reduce the scope and competitive price of replacement bids. DNCR said it has an RFQ outstanding for structural analysis and expects to refine costs once engineers assess the foundations and other on‑site conditions. Agency staff estimated a likely project range near $28–30 million once the structural assessment and competitive bidding are complete, but acknowledged uncertainty until bids are received.
Senators asked whether shifting funds away from road and marina projects would undercut needs in other parts of the state; Stewart said Connecticut Lakes road needs are ongoing and that the state continues negotiations with the landowner on long‑term arrangements, but argued the tram is a major revenue driver for state parks and that moving funds to secure a competitive tram bid is a priority for the agency this cycle.
The committee asked DNCR for follow‑up information on the Ferris‑park and library security projects and requested updates on Connecticut Lakes road spending and maps of work completed to date. No committee vote was taken.
