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Town Administrator reports progress on Enbridge pipeline, Prudence Island broadband and senior-center financing
Summary
Town Administrator Bruce Gerena updated the council on the Enbridge pipeline replacement project (conductor casings installed, environmental surveys and erosion controls in place), the Ade Bethune House senior center financing steps, and ongoing broadband planning for Prudence Island to explore non-fiber solutions.
Town Administrator Bruce Gerena told the Portsmouth Town Council that work on the Enbridge pipeline replacement project is advancing: conductor casings for pilot drilling under the river have been installed on each riverbank, environmental surveys and stormwater inspections have been completed, and perimeter erosion controls and a construction entrance at Wampano Road are in place.
Gerena said Enbridge continues mobilizing equipment and aims to complete construction this year; the town will publish project updates and links on the town planner webpage. He also reported that ground leases and septic approvals for the Ade Bethune House senior center have been executed, enabling the church community to secure final financing and begin construction shortly.
On broadband, Gerena said Rhode Island Commerce (the state lead agency) is prioritizing Prudence Island connectivity but that underbay fiber is cost-prohibitive. The agency is exploring alternative technologies to meet BEED (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) standards for areas where fiber is not feasible; the town will remain engaged and be updated as initiatives develop.
Gerena also encouraged community participation in a Navy environmental-restoration questionnaire and a RIPTA transportation-safety survey posted on the town website, with the RIPTA survey open through Sept. 30.
