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Council authorizes Jamies Park phase 3 preconstruction and signs off on grant strategy for wastewater upgrades
Summary
Council accepted a package of grants for Jamies Park Phase 3 restoration (about $2 million in grants) and authorized moving forward with preconstruction work. Separately, members approved authorization for the town manager to sign grant documents to leverage a $250,000 Bridal grant as match for a potential $3.1 million EDA award for wastewater resiliency upgrades.
The Warren Town Council voted on Oct. 8 to advance preconstruction for Phase 3 of the Jamies Park restoration and to pursue a tied strategy for wastewater improvements that would leverage existing grants and potential federal funds.
Former town planner Herb Durfee told the council that the town has three grants related to the Jamies Park closure and restoration totaling approximately $2,000,000 and that the Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) has agreed to directly pay contractors for preconstruction and could offer a short-term bridge loan to front costs pending reimbursement. Durfee and the solicitor warned that the town's options to delay or walk back the project were limited; delaying could trigger enforcement actions tied to landfill-closure obligations. After discussion about budget timing and the need to preserve the grants, the council authorized moving forward with Phase 3 preconstruction work and accepting the grants.
Durfee also outlined an administrative approach to shift a $250,000 grant from Bridal (RIDEM/Bridal reference in packet) to serve as a local match that could unlock an anticipated Economic Development Administration (EDA) award of roughly $3.1 million for electrical-resiliency work at the wastewater treatment plant. Councilors authorized the town manager to sign related documents subject to receipt and review of the EDA paperwork and solicitor review. Durfee said the EDA reimbursement portal (ASAP) typically issues reimbursements in days, improving cash-flow timing, but cautioned that all these awards operate on a reimbursement basis.
Councilors asked for details on potential interest and closing costs if the town used RIIB bridge financing for fronting. The solicitor advised that preconstruction payments could be made directly by RIIB, which would allow the town to move forward without immediately fronting the full construction budget but would carry closing costs and interest that need budgeting in FY26. The council approved the motions to accept grants and authorizations and directed staff to coordinate budget impacts and to present cost estimates and timelines to the council.
Next steps: proceed with preconstruction and bidding documents for Jamies Park Phase 3, coordinate with the Infrastructure Bank on payment and bridge loan terms, and complete EDA documentation to secure the larger grant award for wastewater resiliency upgrades.
