Scotland selectmen vote to apply for $500,000 STEAP grant to repair public safety complex and buy dump truck

The Scotland Board of Selectmen voted on Jan. 22 to apply for a $500,000 STEAP grant to fund renovations at the Scotland Public Safety Complex and to purchase a Department of Public Works dump/plow truck. The motion was made by Selectman Mike Gurnack and seconded by First Selectman Dana Barrow Jr.; the board carried the motion.

The board described a package of repairs and equipment purchases the grant would cover if awarded. For the Public Safety Complex the requested funds would support replacement or repair of boilers and the furnace, a hot-water heater, windows and doors (including replacement of non-compliant ADA front doors), garage doors and openers, removal and replacement of an oil tank, replacement of three air-conditioning units, fire-alarm replacement and upgrade, installation of an automatic transfer switch, a storage shed, and programmable locks. The board said the projects meet the grant’s higher criterion because they are “shoveled ready.” The packet estimates total project costs at $532,255; the STEAP program would cover up to $500,000 and requires a 20% local match for the grant amount plus any costs exceeding $500,000.

First Selectman Dana Barrow Jr. identified Kim Martin and Selectman Mike Gurnack as the staff members who will work on the grant application, which the board said would be reflected in the 2025–2026 budget if the award is received and accepted. The board noted the STEAP grant application deadline is Feb. 20, 2025.

The board did not record vote tallies for the motion beyond naming the mover and seconder; no public comment was recorded on the item.

Next steps: staff will prepare and submit the STEAP application before the Feb. 20 deadline; grant approval and the town’s formal acceptance would come at a later meeting if awarded.