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Bristol council approves borrowing resolutions for stormwater and wastewater projects totaling up to $4.5 million
Summary
Council approved two separate borrowing resolutions — up to $2 million for a Silver Creek watershed/stormwater drainage project and up to $2.5 million in SRF funds for wastewater treatment and collection system upgrades.
The Town of Bristol on Dec. 18 approved two borrowing resolutions to fund separate water infrastructure projects, potentially allowing the town to access up to $4.5 million in subsidized loans through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.
The first resolution authorizes borrowing of up to $2,000,000 for stormwater and drainage improvements associated with the Silver Creek Watershed Study, including capacity increases at detention basins on Highview Drive and Varnum Street, new piping and structures, and related road and utility adjustments. Town officials characterized the work as “phase 1” of a larger multi‑phase project to reduce chronic flooding in the Sherry Avenue and Varnum Street areas.
The second resolution authorizes borrowing of up to $2,500,000 through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) pathway for wastewater system upgrades, including compost facility improvements (odor control and site work), sewer collection system repairs to reduce inflow and infiltration, and design work for abandonment and replacement of the Ferry Road pumping station and shoreline interceptor.
Bond counsel Sandy Mack and town officials told the council the two resolutions were presented separately because some elements may qualify for SRF federal match funds only if the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) grants approval; if DEM does not approve a project for SRF, the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank offers a separate subsidized lending program for qualifying drainage projects. Counsel and staff said the town may mix and match financing sources depending on DEM’s review.
Officials described the $2,000,000 package as focused on drainage work in the Sherry Avenue/Varnum/Highview corridor, noting long‑standing flooding problems. The town plans to enlarge detention basins, install a 24‑inch pipe to increase conveyance capacity, and add control structures. Town Administrator Diane Williamson and staff said planning is at an advanced stage and the town wants to secure financing so construction can proceed next summer if approvals are in place.
For the $2.5 million SRF borrowing, Water Pollution Control Director Jose Da Silva and engineer Chris Cronin said part of the funds will be used for odor control upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant, collection system rehabilitation to reduce treated seawater (inflow and infiltration) and planning/design work for abandoning the Ferry Road pump station. Officials said the Ferry Road facilities sit close to sea level and could be vulnerable to flooding; the resolution funds design and evaluation rather than full construction for relocation or abandonment.
Counsel and staff explained both loans would typically have 20‑year terms under the Infrastructure Bank programs and allow the town to draw funds in installments as work proceeds. Treasurer Carulli noted maturing bonds in the town’s future debt schedule that make the financing plan manageable; the council recorded broad support and voted to approve both borrowing resolutions on voice votes.
Council members asked about the SRF approval timeline, project phasing and the potential for matching federal funds. Staff said DEM had approved limited planning funding previously and the Infrastructure Bank would press DEM for final approval; if DEM approves, federal matching funds could reduce the town’s net cost.
The council approved both borrowing resolutions by voice votes after discussion.
