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Highlands wins $3.16M Helene relief award for waterline projects, board approves wastewater grant application
Summary
Town manager announced a $3,164,254 Helene relief award for four waterline replacement projects and the board approved a separate resolution and budget amendment to apply for wastewater funding (application deadline early March).
Town Manager Josh Ward told the Highlands Town Board on Feb. 19 that the town received $3,164,254 in Helene relief funding to address waterlines in four locations: Black Rock Circle, Hammond, Webb Branch and other identified spots where recent breaks occurred (Buttermilk Road, Chowan Road). The award will fund engineering and replacement work that staff expect to unfold over the next two to three years.
Ward said the grant package includes a separate Helene-funded project (intent to fund for a generator at the water plant) and that engineers will prepare bid and contract documents. He cautioned that some of the replacement work requires transitioning materials (for example, PVC to ductile pipe) and that project schedules will depend on final contract documents and deliveries.
Separately, the board considered an added agenda item (Resolution 2026-02-Res) authorizing an application for Helene wastewater funding. Staff noted a short application window and asked the board to approve a budget amendment to cover the application fee. The board moved and approved the resolution and the associated budget amendment to allow staff to file the application before the stated deadline.
During discussion, commissioners asked whether the waterline projects are "shovel-ready." Staff said studies are complete in part and that engineering work remains; some projects will require additional design but are not expected to be difficult to package for state submission.
The town will return with engineering schedules, contract documents, and specific project timelines as applications advance and contracts are procured.
