Council approves commitment letter to pursue Ready One funds for trail repairs after flood damage

The Town of Newburgh council on March 25 authorized the town manager to sign a financial commitment letter seeking Ready One program funds to help repair trail damage caused during last year’s flooding. Town Manager Chris Cook outlined the funding picture and asked council to approve executing the commitment letter.

Cook told the council the total repair would be in the neighborhood of $189,000–$193,000 and that prior FEMA assistance provided roughly $50,000. He said Ready One funds could provide approximately $143,000 and that, after reimbursements, the town’s net out‑of‑pocket cost would be about $78,900. "We would be getting this project essentially done for $78,926," Cook said during his presentation. He also said the Ready One funds must be spent by September 30 of the year and that the finance committee reviewed the request and recommended approval.

Council discussed construction details (for example, using gabion baskets under the trail) and material choices; Councilmember Steve Shoemaker asked whether baskets would be galvanized or stainless, and staff agreed to confirm the specification before work begins. Staff also described prior uses of gabion-style erosion control in town and flagged a longer-term drainage plan will be needed beyond the immediate repairs.

Council approved the motion by voice vote. The town will front the costs initially and seek reimbursement through Ready One and FEMA as described by town staff. Staff did not present a final contract for the trail work at the meeting; council approved the commitment letter and directed staff to follow up on material specifications and reimbursement paperwork.

Next steps: staff will finalize material choices and contract terms, confirm Ready One reimbursement timing and requirements, and return with any additional details needed for construction procurement and budgeting.