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City says work continues at 116 Cook Avenue but federal grant uncertainty could force local funding decisions
Summary
City staff told the committee that federal changes to a named grant program have created uncertainty for funding the dredging and bridge work at 116 Cook Avenue; current funds cover in-progress work but not full completion of phase 1, and the city has asked FEMA (through its local agent) to confirm projects will not be canceled mid-stream.
City staff told the committee on an update to 116 Cook Avenue that ongoing construction will continue but the city faces uncertainty after a federal decision affecting a grant program referenced in the transcript as the “Bridal” funding program. Brian Daniels, the city manager, said the city has sent a letter to FEMA via its local agent, Demus, seeking written confirmation that projects already underway would not be canceled.
Daniels said the project currently has enough money to pay for work underway but not enough to finish phase 1 if federal funds are cut. “We have enough money to pay for what’s being done now. We do not have enough money to finish phase 1,” he said. He estimated that, if the federal support were to stop, the contractor could probably continue for a few months before the city would need to identify alternative funding, and the city would not allow the contractor to reach a point of nonpayment.
Why it matters: staff said the schedule aims for late 2026 or early 2027 completion of bridge replacements and that the project is under contract. If federal aid were withdrawn, the city would consider using capital improvement program (CIP) funds or other local financing, but that would require debt-service analysis and council prioritization alongside other large projects such as water-treatment-plant renovations and a planned senior center.
Daniels outlined funding distinctions the committee raised: he said Brownfield grants pay for land remediation (examples cited included 69 East Main Street and a former factory site) but do not cover dredging or flood-control work, and FEMA funding covers flood-control activities. The city manager said other state economic-development grants (CIF/DECD) could be more appropriate for demolition and redevelopment projects but are separate from FEMA’s flood-control programs.
No formal vote or commitment of local CIP funds occurred at the meeting. Daniels said staff will await FEMA’s written response and that, if necessary, staff could draft a resolution or include a CIP request in a future budget cycle for council consideration. He emphasized the city’s obligation to finish contracted bridge work and noted staff would report back as federal agencies respond.
Ending: The committee kept the item on the agenda for future updates and did not take a formal vote to change funding; staff said they will continue monitoring federal and state grant opportunities and communicate any recommended budget or resolution steps to the council.
