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Pemi-Path design study included in Bristol budget; committee notes funding risk
Summary
Committee funds a $69,000 design and engineering study for the Pemi-Path in the proposed 2026 budget, noting the town will initially pay design costs with private fundraising planned for construction and a risk the town could retain the expense if the project does not proceed.
The proposed 2026 budget contains a $69,000 request to fund a detailed design and engineering study for the Pemi-Path pedestrian project, an item the Budget Committee reviewed during its Feb. 3 public hearing.
Chair Paul Regan told the committee the Economic Committees section now includes the Pemi-Path Committee and the $69,000 line (line #565) is intended to finalize plans, costs, and timelines. The minutes record that the committee expects private fundraising for construction but acknowledged the Town would initially pay for the design study; members noted a risk the Town could retain the design cost if the project does not proceed.
Committee members and supporters characterized the study as a necessary step to advance long-standing volunteer planning and to enable local fundraising; meeting minutes say proponents described expected long-term benefits such as downtown vibrancy and additional support for local businesses. The request was included in the committee’s recommendation package; the Budget Committee voted 7-0-0 to recommend the overall budget that contains the Pemi-Path design study line. Next steps are to complete the design study if voters approve funding at Town Meeting and to pursue private fundraising for construction.
