Italy Board authorizes up to $18,000 for culvert surveys and engineering to advance FEMA projects

The Town of Italy Board on Feb. 11 authorized up to $18,000 to hire Mott Land Surveying for surveys of culverts on Lower Road and Martin Road and separately approved a contract with Grove Engineering, also not to exceed $18,000, to begin project work tied to FEMA mitigation efforts.

Supervisor Richard Craig moved to authorize the surveying contract and the Grove Engineering agreement; both motions passed unanimously (ayes 5, noes 0). FEMA consultants present described two active FEMA projects: project 4625 covering an upper culvert and project 4825 covering a lower secondary culvert on Lower Road. Consultant Ryan Frykholm, who called in during the meeting, said FEMA project 4625 "would be 100% funded by FEMA" and that Martin Road mitigation likewise appears eligible for 100% FEMA funding, meaning the town can document current costs and seek reimbursement under future FEMA awards.

Engineer Bill Grove told the board that a full survey from Mott Land Surveying (work discussed after a review by Kyle Mott) would provide clearer information about culvert depth and compatibility with downstream county culverts; Grove estimated a survey cost around $14,000 and supported contracting to proceed. Matt Smith of Discovery Partners said mitigation on Lower Road may ultimately require a bridge rather than a simple culvert replacement. The board recorded motions to proceed: authorization of Mott Land Surveying (motion approved) and signing a Grove Engineering contract to initiate the projects.

Next steps recorded in the meeting minutes include completing the Mott survey to define borings and design needs, resolving compatibility issues with the county's downstream culvert, and using documented town expenditures for FEMA reimbursement. The board did not vote on final design or construction contracts at this meeting.