Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regional Projects And Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RiverCOG approves transportation projects, extends transit sharing agreement and accepts Eversource grant
Summary
RiverCOG approved project phases for a Route 154 seawall revetment and highway illumination replacements, endorsed Halls Road sidewalks/streetscape for future solicitation, extended an Estuary Transit District employee‑sharing agreement, and accepted an $85,300 Eversource community partnership grant to support energy outreach.
RiverCOG members approved multiple transportation line items, endorsed a sidewalk and streetscape project and approved several administrative agreements and grants during their July meeting.
On transportation, staff described six line items for toe protection along the Route 154 seawall revetment in Old Sabre (project 1050222), including preliminary and final design phases in 2025–2026, right‑of‑way work, and construction phases in 2028–2029 with construction costs each estimated at about $14 million and an 80/20 funding split. Members voted to approve B1–B6 by voice vote after the minutes were approved.
The board also approved two line items for replacement of highway illumination systems in Cromwell and Middletown (project 01710524), covering design phases in 2025 and noting future construction funding could shift from state funds to carbon‑reduction funds. Those items (B7–B8) were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.
RiverCOG staff updated members on the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program, reporting that several projects are complete and others are in design. Staff noted cost increases since 2019—about 40% on concept estimates and another roughly 20% through design—and recommended endorsing the Halls Road corridor improvements (sidewalks and streetscape) so the project can enter the funding system. The board moved to endorse Halls Road; after local officials described connectivity, potential TA funding and sidewalk alignment, the motion carried.
On transit, Estuary Transit District requested a five‑year extension of an employee‑sharing agreement to continue funding a planner (Brendan Zowers) through federal relief funds. Staff noted the contract contains a 90‑day termination clause; RiverCOG members authorized the executive director to negotiate and sign the addendum.
RiverCOG also accepted $85,300 from Eversource’s Community Partnership Initiative to support residential and small‑business energy outreach. RiverCOG will act as fiduciary, contract with PACE for technical work, and disburse funds to the four participating towns (Chester, Deep River, East Hampton and Portland). Members moved and approved authorization to enter the grant and related contracts.
Other items included transit operational updates (four new bus shelters and service changes on routes 640/642/644), a regional waste‑study adjustment to produce transfer‑station profiles, and staff announcements including the upcoming departure of long‑time financial administrator Paula Fernald and the selection of Sally Rothenhaus as her successor. The meeting adjourned and the board noted the next meeting will be on Zoom on September 17.
