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Select Board authorizes application for federal RAISE grant to fund pedestrian bridge near Patriot Place
Summary
After a presentation from the craft group, the Select Board authorized the town manager to submit a RAISE grant application and a letter of intent for a pedestrian bridge project estimated at roughly $35 million, with the craft group proposing to fund the local match (about 20%) and underwrite soft costs.
Representatives from a private craft/developer group asked the Select Board on Jan. 21 to authorize the town manager to submit a federal RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant application for a pedestrian bridge intended to improve pedestrian flow and safety around Patriot Place.
Jim Coby (craft group) told the board the project team estimates total hard and soft costs around "$35 million" and that a RAISE grant could cover up to 80% of that cost; the craft group proposed to provide assurances for the remaining ~20% and to fund project soft costs (grant administration and outside project management) so the town would not be out-of-pocket for those items during development. Coby emphasized that the town would be the grant recipient and would own and operate the bridge as a public asset if the project proceeds.
Public safety officials supported the proposal. Chief Grace said the bridge "creates an open flow that doesn't have stoppage and that allows for a constant flow in constant flow out," explaining it would reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and help manage event release on Route 1 and surrounding roads.
The board voted to authorize the town manager to submit and sign the RAISE grant application and to execute a letter of intent, subject to further negotiation with the craft group on development agreements and contingencies. Participants noted that receiving a grant award is not an obligation to accept funds; the town would review and, if selected, bring any borrowing or real-estate warrant articles to town meeting for approval.
Ending: Staff will prepare the application and a draft letter of intent; the board authorized submission to meet the federal deadline and asked staff to return with negotiated terms before accepting any award.
