Tiverton council approves $120,000 to fund engineering for Crandall Road waterline

The Tiverton Town Council voted to approve an appropriation of $120,000 to fund engineering and hydraulic modeling for a proposed Crandall Road waterline extension intended to serve homes affected by PFAS contamination.

"What I'm asking the council to do is authorize ... to start the modeling so we can get moving with this process," Administrator Jones said, adding that "we've been told that these funds are 100% reimbursable." Jones framed the payment as a bridge to speed work while grant paperwork is processed by state and federal agencies.

Bob Ouellette, who identified himself as "Bob Ouellette, general manager, North Carolina Water," told the council the money would be used to draw plans and run models to determine whether the system has capacity to feed the affected houses. "The money will go towards the engineering to draw the plan up and then model it to see if we have the water," Ouellette said, describing a phased construction approach that would start on Crandall and extend to side streets.

Councilors asked for a clearer map of the impacted area and a timetable for the work. Jones said DEM is crafting a map and that the agency will present a more detailed range map at a public meeting this week. Jones and Ouellette both warned that permanent construction could stretch into spring 2027 because of permitting, modeling and funding steps, while temporary filtration and other short‑term measures would be installed sooner.

The motion to approve the appropriation was made, seconded and carried by voice vote; the transcript records a voice consensus rather than a roll‑call tally.

Officials said the town will proceed with the engineering work as a priority and seek reimbursement from the appropriate grant or state programs once projects are completed.