Green Mountain Power seeks town sign‑off for undergrounding project; board to review draft road‑work agreement

Representatives from Green Mountain Power outlined infrastructure improvements and requested the Select Board’s input on planned undergrounding and road‑work in town.

Tim Jones, representing Green Mountain Power, described two categories of work: routine overhead rebuilds (Chester Hill Road) and a larger undergrounding project that would include sections near Fisher Hill and Cambridge Port Road. He delivered a draft agreement that addresses road access, culvert work, restoration standards and placement of cabinets and utility hardware, and requested town feedback before bringing a final agreement for approval.

GMP staff and the board discussed technical constraints including road fabric, box culvert locations, stormwater permits and the need to upsize culverts if touched during construction. GMP said typical construction productivity could be 1,500–2,000 feet a day and proposed a May 15 start so projects would finish by the program hard stop of Sept. 30.

Board members asked about bonds, indemnity and remediation in case of unexpected damage; GMP said the company stands behind its work and will consider additional town preferences such as financial assurances if requested. GMP agreed to return with a revised agreement and more detailed plans after input from the town road foreman (Travis) and further site review.

The board did not vote on a final agreement at the meeting but directed staff to review the draft and coordinate a return appearance from GMP with final design and contract language.