Rye Select Board considers switch to concrete for Harbor Road Bridge, seeks FEMA help

DPW Director Jason Rucker updated the Rye Select Board on the Harbor Road Bridge repair strategy, reporting that Hoyle, Tanner & Associates submitted a contract amendment request for $68,968 to support a shift from a town-funded timber-frame option to a longer-lasting concrete structure and to help secure FEMA funding through Homeland Security. He said the total estimated project cost to be submitted to FEMA is $1,491,950 and that FEMA has been supportive of the change in scope to concrete because of the material's longer lifespan.

Rucker explained that the town is evaluating two repair options: a fully town-funded timber-frame structure or a concrete option that may be partially FEMA-funded at an anticipated 75/25 split. He noted that the pedestrian walkway element charged by a prior board would not be eligible for FEMA funding. Rucker recommended using the current warrant-article funding to cover the $68,968 contract amendment needed to pursue the concrete option and related FEMA coordination.

Chair Rob Wright expressed concern that shifting scope could introduce additional delays. After discussion, the Select Board agreed to hold a public meeting with residents who live on the far side of the Harbor Road Bridge to present the revised approach and collect local input before proceeding further. The board did not record a formal vote to authorize the Hoyle, Tanner amendment during this meeting; the minutes show agreement to solicit resident feedback and to pursue FEMA coordination.