Selectwoman warns Ashford may need to front millions for state bridge replacements; town meeting likely

Katherine (Selectwoman) told the selectboard that the state — working with a state-hired firm — has offered to replace two town bridges but that the program requires the town to front construction-period costs and cover local items such as legal notices and advertising.

"The feds pay 80% and the state pays 20%. We don't pay — well, the only thing we would pay is during construction for advertising," Katherine said, while explaining the municipality would need to pay construction invoices as they arrive and then submit them to the state for reimbursement. She said the state-contracted company handles design and will present options to the town once designs are developed.

Katherine provided construction estimates of about $4 million for one bridge and $3 million for the other. She said the design process for each bridge would take roughly two years and that construction would be about eight months, noting the town would not necessarily do both bridges at once.

The selectwoman said the finance department and bond counsel are discussing options for managing the cash-flow requirement, including setting up separate funds for each bridge so the projects do not distort the capital projects budget. She said the state wanted an initial commitment soon and asked the town to consider placing the item on a March town-meeting warrant.

Katherine also reported two other unplanned expenses: the town’s new front parking lights are too bright for nearby residents and a 2008 highway truck needs a repair estimated at $22,622; she said the highway budget could run over because of that repair.

Next steps: officials will consult bond counsel and other towns that have used the program, prepare language for a town-meeting warrant, and aim to have the town decide by March so the state’s schedule can proceed.