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Scotland board adopts Small Cities resolution, pursues STEAP and other grants as town seeks funding for Town Hall and bridges
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Summary
The Board adopted a Certified Resolution for a Small Cities grant, agreed to apply for a STEAP grant, and discussed pursuing CIF and DEEP funding to cover rising Town Hall renovation costs; the board also selected M&T Bank financing for bridge and construction needs.
The Scotland Board of Selectmen on Dec. 30 adopted a Certified Resolution of Applicant for a Small Cities block grant and agreed to apply for upcoming STEAP funds as the town seeks additional financing for capital projects, including an over-budget Town Hall renovation and bridge work.
Treasurer David Zito said a meeting with Miquel Rivera of the Department of Housing indicated the original Small Cities block grant could not be used by the July 26, 2026 deadline and that the funding would be moved into a new grant process that requires adherence to the Build America, Buy America Act. The board discussed the timing constraint and the procurement requirement that certain goods be made in the United States.
Selectman Michael (Mike) Gurnack moved to approve and adopt the Certified Resolution of Applicant for the Small Cities Grant; Selectman John Aldrich seconded and the motion carried. Later the board voted to apply for the upcoming STEAP grant and identified several town projects that could be proposed for funding.
First Selectman Dana Barrow Jr. told the board updated Town Hall renovation and site work costs run significantly higher than available funds; the town has applied for additional round 8 CIF funds and plans to pursue STEAP funding to help cover renovations, gazebo repair/replacement, and Public Safety Complex upgrades.
Barrow also said the town applied for a $174,000 DEEP Recreational Trails grant to build a trail linking Scotland Elementary School, the Public Safety Complex, the library nature walk and the Huntington Homestead; the town would need to provide a 20% local match if the DEEP grant is awarded.
On financing, the town solicited bank proposals and decided to proceed with an offer from M&T Bank for bridge, Town Hall and Public Works construction programs; a written contract was in development and an RFP for consulting engineers for Brook Rd. bridge work was advertised with a Jan. 16, 2026 deadline.
Board members flagged federal Buy America requirements and grant deadlines as constraints the town must manage when preparing applications and contracts.