Deal Commission says state SAGE delays are holding up Stonewater installation after $50,000 contractor payment

The Deal Commission on its June remote meeting said a $50,000 payment was sent to contractor Precise to advance the Stonewater project toward a $200,000 funding threshold, but members warned that state review in the SAGE grant system has delayed formal authorization to install components.

"We sent a $50,000 check to Precise for the first payment to get us over the $160,000 hump so the state...so we can get a check for $200,000," the chair said. Commission staff confirmed the payment was mailed last Friday.

Staff and a commissioner described repeated delays tied to the state's SAGE electronic grants submission process. "We submitted it and then they go through a variety of iterations and reviews and approvals before we are authorized to proceed," a commissioner said, adding the commission has waited six to eight weeks on similar approvals.

Commission staff said they approved contractor shop drawings and that manufacturers were being cautious about fabricating units before formal state authorization. "I know it's going to work. I know everything's going to be approved, D has told us it's going to be approved, so they're not going to hold money back at the end, but we're still very cautious about authorizing the manufacturer to fabricate these units in case something bad happens," a staff member said.

The commission said it modified the project task list to extend the grant agreement through July 1 for design and procurement steps but not for installation, which remains dependent on the Department's clearance. Staff advised residents with questions about the SAGE system to contact Steven Meyer in the commission office for details.

The commission did not set a new timeline for construction authorization; members said they are asking the Department in writing to expedite reviews and noted the July 31 deadline for completing purges, billing and final submissions to the state.