Warner Select Board accepts hazardous-mitigation grant for Schoodac Road culvert

The Warner Select Board voted April 28 to accept a hazard-mitigation grant to replace a culvert on Schoodac Road at Ballard Brook, approving the grant terms and signing the application.

Director of Public Works Herm Blanchette presented the proposal, saying the project has a total estimated cost of $185,807 and that the grant would cover $139,355.25 with the town responsible for a 25% match of $46,451.75. Blanchette told the board the grant application deadline is May 5, 2026, and the town would have until July 2027 to complete the project.

Chair Alfred Hanson moved to accept the grant terms and Vice Chair Rick Bixby seconded. The board approved the motion by roll-call vote: Bixby YES, Smith YES, Hanson YES. After the vote, Chair Hanson and Vice Chair Bixby signed the application and returned it to Herm Blanchette for submission; Blanchette thanked attendees and insurance adjusters for their support.

The grant approval clears the town to seek final signoff from the Governor and Council before a public hearing is scheduled. The Select Board recorded the project on the meeting agenda and noted the town’s required match and anticipated completion window.

The project affects infrastructure on Schoodac Road near Ballard Brook; funding is the hazard-mitigation grant with a 25/75 cost split and completion required by July 2027. The board did not specify further design details at the meeting; Blanchette and the Select Board indicated they will follow up with required paperwork and scheduling once state-level approval is obtained.