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Assembly members press for public update on port savings and BRIC grant after uncertainty about construction funding
Summary
Committee discussed the status of the bridal grant/BRIC funding and port-head-tax savings; staff reported the port fund netted about $8 million in 2024 and said BRIC phase 1 design funds remain obligated while phase 2 construction funding is uncertain; members requested a public chart and outreach and proposed sending a letter to state and federal officials.
Assembly members asked for public clarity about the municipality’s port-head-tax revenues and the status of BRIC/bridal grant funding after community concern that work had stalled.
A committee member said the municipality is collecting a head tax and asked how much has been saved toward the identified match obligations. Manager reported preliminary figures and said that, after expenses, the port fund netted about $8,000,000 in fiscal year 2024. Staff clarified that the BRIC (BRIC/bridal) grant had funded and obligated phase 1 (design); design funds may remain available while phase 2 (construction) is not yet fully awarded or certain. Manager said staff are continuing to pursue federal and state contacts and will report back as status clarifies.
Members asked staff to prepare a short chart showing how much has been collected and saved so far, and several members urged sending a letter to the governor and federal representatives (to be signed by the mayor) explaining the municipality’s needs and ongoing work. Staff confirmed they have been in contact with congressional offices and the governor’s office and will continue outreach.
Next steps: staff to prepare a short, shareable fiscal summary and to place an update on the next agenda; assembly members asked staff to consider a formal letter of advocacy signed by the mayor and to report on BRIC phase 1/2 status as it becomes available.
