Board authorizes $181,600 from bond to design Route 1 multi-use trail over two dissenting votes

The Stonington Board of Finance voted to authorize $181,600 from the 2025 bond fund to pay for the design of a proposed Route 1 multi-use trail. Board members and staff said the design funding is necessary for the town to finalize a design package and sign an assistance agreement to secure a $1.7 million state DOT grant intended to cover construction. "We would have to move quickly if we would like to secure that dollar amount," a staff member said while summarizing recent communications with the funding agency.

Several board members pressed for specifics — including whether the 181,600 represents roughly a 10% match of total project cost, the precise length of the segment (documents conflicted between 0.38 miles and about 1 mile), and which bond contingency items would be reallocated to cover the request. Supporters cited safety concerns at the Route 1/Hewitt Road intersection and the town's 2023 Complete Streets policy, while opponents called the section small and potentially safe as-is and warned that committing design funds could create momentum for further spending. After debate the motion passed with four votes in favor and two opposed (David and Jean).