New Milford approves $10 million borrowing authorization for road and bridge repairs

At a special Town Meeting in New Milford on Feb. 9, electors voted by voice to approve a resolution authorizing up to $10 million in bonds or notes to fund paving, bridge repairs and related costs.

The vote approved an appropriation to cover milling, paving materials, manholes and drainage risers, traffic protection including signage and police and flag personnel, design and construction costs, equipment, engineering and legal fees, and related financing costs. The resolution also authorizes issuing temporary notes and permits the mayor and the director of finance to set bond amounts, dates, interest rates and other terms, and to make covenants to preserve tax‑exempt status where applicable.

Chuck, a representative from the Department of Public Works, said the appropriation is intended to support multi‑year work rather than a single season of projects. He identified several projects that would be covered if funded, including Sand Road (as part of the Sand Road bridge project), Vancar Road, Wheaten Road and the Brookside AB Bridge, and said the town plans to resurface Grove Street and Still River bridges and pursue larger bridge projects in coming years. “The town itself has about 70 bridges and we’re slowly picking away one by one,” Chuck said. He added, “We try to average between three and four million in road reconstruction dollars every year,” which typically covers roughly six to seven miles depending on drainage scope.

Chuck also described ongoing design work for smaller structures, including Walker Brook (two small bridges), Sand Pit Road Bridge and Squire Hill Road Bridge, and noted that projects often include subsurface drainage upgrades and curbing, sidewalks and streetscape improvements in downtown areas.

DPW staff told the meeting they have consulted with bond counsel about the financing plan. The Director of Finance confirmed that the bond process and related disclosures were in order for the actions described in the notice.

The Moderator called for a voice vote on the appropriation; those present responded “I” in favor and no opposition or abstentions were recorded in the transcript. Following the vote the Moderator moved to close the meeting; the motion carried and the meeting adjourned. The notice read at the start of the meeting also authorized the mayor and other officials to apply for and accept federal and state grants to help finance the projects.

What happens next: the resolution authorizes financing and officials to finalize bond terms and pursue grants; project scheduling and design will proceed through DPW and the town’s capital plan, with actual construction subject to project design, bidding and subsequent budget actions.