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County approves DEC‑funded Caroline Depot Road culvert design and appropriation; local match may be in‑kind
Summary
The committee authorized design and right‑of‑way work and approved an implementation/appropriation agreement for a DEC WQI‑funded replacement of a failing culvert on Caroline Depot Road. The project carries a 20% local match that the county expects to satisfy largely through in‑kind labor and equipment.
Tompkins County’s Facilities & Infrastructure Committee approved amendments to the capital plan and a consultant contract to design a replacement for a failing culvert on Caroline Depot Road over a Six Mile Creek tributary.
Nick from the highway department told the committee the project is a DEC Water Quality Improvement (WQI) award and that the chosen remediation approach is likely a precast concrete box culvert. The grant includes a 20% local match; Nick said the county expects to meet that local share through in‑kind contributions (county crews and equipment tracked at FEMA/agency rates) and through a material‑and‑services bid structure to limit contractor profit margins.
The committee authorized a design and right‑of‑way services contract with Barton & Loguidice (ID 14147) and separately approved an implementation and appropriation agreement to accept and manage DEC WQIP funds (ID 14146). Members pressed about cost‑overrun risk and cash‑flow: the county will typically expend funds up front and seek DEC reimbursement, so finance staff will manage short‑term cash needs. Nick said the current project estimate includes a state share of roughly $1.298 million; any costs above state funding would be a county responsibility but the department believes using in‑kind county resources substantially reduces that exposure.
The committee voted to approve the amendments and agreements so design can proceed (with the intent to bid winter work and aim for construction the following summer). Staff will return with updated cost reports as design advances and as DEC permits are secured.
