Planning board approves $500,000 supplemental for citywide storm drains

The Stamford Planning Board on Feb. 25 approved a $500,000 supplemental capital appropriation for the citywide storm-drain account (project C16012) to fund immediate installation and replacement of storm drains, catch basins and curbs.

City engineer Lou Caselow introduced the request and said the project’s current capital balance was zero and several projects that have been bid will require funding before July. “The request before you tonight is for $500,000 for the citywide storm drain account,” Caselow said, noting the funds would support project initiation and awards now pending.

Board members asked how the $500,000 figure had been calculated. Staff said ARPA funds had previously been held in the account and that some ARPA allocations were moved elsewhere; the $500,000 reflects an estimate of what is needed to carry work through July. The administration indicated the funding source for this supplemental appropriation will be capital nonrecurring (cash account) and thus not tied to bonds.

Ravi Subramanian and other board members urged clarity about upcoming work to avoid returning frequently for additional small supplemental requests. Caselow and staff said the award schedule and immediate needs motivated the amount.

The board voted unanimously to approve the $500,000 supplemental appropriation. Staff said the account’s longer-term capital request for FY 2025–26 remains $1,500,000 for the project.

Next steps: the appropriation will be reflected in the capital book and used to proceed with awarded projects and immediate work through July.