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Future Facilities committee asks Select Board to release up to $170,000 for site permitting ahead of grant applications
Summary
The Future Facilities Committee reported BH2M estimated site permitting at roughly $150,000 and requested the Board release up to $170,000 to make the project 'shovel ready' for grant applications; the Board agreed to seek a town‑attorney review before any expenditures.
Members of Pownal’s Future Facilities Committee told the Select Board they have refined concept plans and need site permitting to pursue major grant opportunities.
“As Isabelle reviewed the grant application form, it was determined that permitting is a part of that process,” committee member Cuyler Feagles said, and the consultant BH2M estimated roughly $150,000 in site‑permitting costs. The committee asked the Select Board to release up to $170,000 to cover permitting and related steps needed to make the project shovel‑ready for grant applications.
Board members voiced caution about the scope of the warrant language and the town attorney’s role in interpreting the Town Meeting vote that previously authorized funds. Chair Jon Morris said the Select Board will forward the warrant articles, expense history and the committee’s request to the town attorney and return to the public with legal guidance before authorizing any additional expenditures.
Committee members also reviewed earlier spending (Feagles said about $67,000 charged to the contract so far) and discussed timelines for preparing strong grant applications. The committee stressed that federal and state grant programs are competitive and that spending some local funds to meet application thresholds is common practice.
Next steps: the Select Board will send the warrant language and expense records to the town attorney and schedule follow-up discussion after legal review.
