Committee advances resolution to redeploy funds after $922,357 National Grid back‑charge on Rear Main/Wilkins Road project
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Summary
Economic development staff told the committee National Grid’s back‑charge for undergrounding work came back at $922,357.33 — far above a prior $260,000 estimate — and the committee voted 2–0 with one abstention to recommend a resolution reallocating previously authorized bond and unexpended grant funds to cover the shortfall.
The committee recommended that the full city council consider a resolution to redeploy previously authorized funds to cover a large cost increase tied to the Rear Main/Wilkins Road MassWorks project.
Jason Stevens, director of economic development, told the committee that National Grid’s formal cost breakdown, received Feb. 9, totaled $922,357.33 — a large jump from the engineering estimate of $260,000 included in early grant materials.
"The total amount for that is $922,357.33, which is a large jump from the original estimate of 260," Stevens said, describing the charge as reflecting the full scope to relocate overhead electrical wires underground, install conduit units and construct associated pads for several Main Street properties and parts of Parker Street.
Stevens outlined the funding picture: unexpended MassWorks balances ($449,412.82) and an $800,000 allocation of bond proceeds. He said change order 1 consumed $506,482.33 of the $800,000, leaving $293,517.67 of those bond proceeds; combined with remaining state reimbursement balances and other sources the city assembled nearly the funds needed, though Stevens estimated a modest remaining gap and noted retainage that will be held until project completion.
Stevens also warned the committee the city had waited nearly three years for National Grid responses on civil design and back‑charge definitions and urged completing pre‑scheduling requirements so Grid will schedule the work promptly.
Economic development staff framed the committee item as a supportive request for council approval to move funds to cover National Grid costs and the broader project scope. Councilor Beckman moved to recommend the resolution to the full council and to waive the usual two‑meeting rule. The motion was seconded and carried on the committee voice vote recorded as 2 in favor, 1 abstention by Councilor Mac.
"I want this to be in open communication ... I don't want us saying that we're needing of a 100,000 back in April for the unsuitable conditions to the subsurface, and then go ahead and spend it," Stevens told the committee, urging transparency about how the unexpected bond proceeds are used. The committee recorded its recommendation to forward the measure to the full council for final action.
The committee asked staff to proceed with the pay request to National Grid and to pursue scheduling and documentation so the work can be completed without further delay.
