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Committee approves acceptance of state/federal funds to replace unsafe fishing pier at Beaver Ponds
Summary
The committee authorized the mayor to accept up to $200,000 in grant funds (pass‑through via DEEP from federal sources) to replace an unstable fishing pier at Beaver Ponds, with the parks department authorized to provide up to $75,000 in match (including in‑kind work). Final design will determine exact costs.
The committee voted to accept a grant offer to replace a worn, floating fishing pier at the north pond in Beaver Ponds Park and authorized a local match to complete the project. Parks Director Max Webster said the existing pier was never properly anchored and creates a hazard for children participating in fishing programs.
Webster described a proposed cost split in which the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), using federal pass‑through funds originally identified with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, would cover roughly 75% of the final project cost and the city would provide a 25% match. "They said they can cover their portion that 75% of whatever design it is that we land on," Webster said; staff told the committee the commonly cited figure of $65,000 could change once engineering finalizes the design.
Committee members amended the authorization to specify acceptance of up to $200,000 from DEEP and to authorize up to $75,000 in city contribution (the description in committee was explicitly "up to" amounts and staff said final costs will be determined by design). The parks director said in‑kind work and ongoing pond restoration activity could be used to reduce the city's cash match.
The committee passed the amended item; staff said they will complete design, finalize cost estimates and return any required documentation to the appropriate boards.
