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Fitchburg staff seek $4.2 million amendment amid BRT cost increase and federal matching uncertainty
Summary
City staff told the commission that North‑South BRT costs rose and the expected federal share may fall from 80% to about 70%, prompting a proposed $4.2 million amendment to the city's CIP to secure federal matching funds; the amendment will go to council, public works and finance committees.
City staff briefed the Transportation and Transit Commission that cost estimates for Fitchburg’s portion of a north‑south bus rapid transit (BRT) project have increased and that the anticipated federal share is now likely to be about 70% rather than the 80% originally assumed, requiring a local amendment of roughly $4.2 million to the city budget.
Ross said the city’s portion of the project had been estimated differently over time: an early, smaller estimate suggested a total cost of $7.5 million with a 20% local share; later estimates rose to $25 million and then were reduced to $17 million by converting some center‑running stations to side‑running stations to hold costs down. ‘‘So 70% of that $17 million is borne by the federal government, 30% is Fitchburg’s share. We already have $1.5 million in the 2025 CIP and we need an additional $4.2 million amended into the 2026 budget,’’ Ross summarized.
Staff explained they must allocate local matching funds in the near term to be included in the federal appropriations process; although the appropriation is not final, Ross said he did not expect the federal program to be drastically reduced for a project of this scale. The amendment will be considered by the Common Council, Board of Public Works and Finance Committee on their upcoming agendas.
Commissioners asked about financing sources; Ross and finance staff indicated the local share would be financed through a combination of borrowing and TID 10 resources pending council approval. No formal vote on the amendment occurred at this meeting; staff will bring final budget language and financing recommendations to council and relevant committees.
