Town Seeks Grant to Help Fund Highway Garage Relocation

The town is hoping to obtain a federal grant to help fund a new highway garage.

Last week, the Board of Selectmen authorized Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner to apply for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program though the Federal Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

The town is currently looking to secure a site for a new highway garage and the project is one a capital projects study group has recommended be included in a proposed bonding package in November. 

The town feels the project fits the grant criteria due to the current garage’s location is a “special flood hazard area,” and well as the 500-year floodplain. 

For years the town has placed a priority on relocating the garage. Some location problems with the current site, according to the application, are inadequate size, potential lack of access during a flood event, and the location of the salt shed in close proximity to the Farmington River. The town also hopes to eventually use the area for recreation and river access. 

In addition, the current garage has safety concerns and vehicles have a shortened lifespan due to the lack of inside storage and a washing facility, according to town officials. 

Selectmen voted to authorize a grant application of up to $7.5 million, the town’s current estimate for the garage site work and construction. However, if the town does receive and accept the grant, the federal agency would do a cost-benefit analysis and award an amount based on the "benefit" to the current location, Skinner told selectmen.

The town would be responsible for 25 percent of the grant, he added.

Skinner also said that if the town does end up authorizing bonding for the project and the gets the grant, it could be subtracted from the bond amount.