Clarksburg OKs Emergency Spending For Road Repairs
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Town Administrator Michael Canales estimated the total damage at about $700,000, not including the nearly $1.4 million it's expected to cost the state to fix nearly 500 feet of River Road (Route 8) that fell into the Hoosic River.
"We are expecting to receive 75 percent reimbursment on them," said Canales of the road repair, but added that number wasn't set in stone. "[The Federal Emergency Management Agency] can determine the amount of work and how much they're going to chip in."
However, he said, "we can't wait two or three more weeks before we find out exactly what FEMA is going to be doing. Daniels Road needs to be opened back up. Henderson Road, before we get snow and ice, has to be finished."
Canales said, "we'll have figure out how we're going to pay for the 25 percent when we go to town meeting."
A major washout around a culvert has closed Daniels Road, the East Road Bridge is closed because the River Road side is sinking, the edge of Henderson Road was washed out and numerous other repairs, including a 14-by-35-foot sinkhole that opened up on Houghton Street, have to be fixed.
On Daniels Road, for example, the old boiler pipe culvert and guardrails have to be replaced and the roadway repaired. "By the time you're done, you're probably looking at over a $100,000 project to get Daniels Road back up," Canales told the board. "I think our goal right now is to get this up and replaced by October ... so that we can have Daniels Road open for the winter."
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"Right now, they are anticipating they will have traffic open by this weekend with paving of it next week," said Canales, if the weather cooperates.
Town Hall will be closed Monday as officials travel to Pittsfield for a county meeting with FEMA and Massachusette Emergency Management Agency representatives on filing for reimbursements. Canales encouraged townspeople who may have been affected by the storm to also see if they can get help. A Disaster Assistance Center has been set up at 430 Main St., Williamstown, and a flier with information on filing is availabe at Town Hall, although people should check with their insurance companies first to see if they are covered.
Canales also asked that residents keep an eye on culverts and drainage areas because the water is still high and silting up. Report any buildup to the Town Hall at 413-663-7940 or the town garage at 413-663-3451.
Both Canales and Chairwoman Debra Lefave thanked the town workers, firefighters, police and other volunteers for their "tremendous response" on the day of the storm. "Kudos to all of you," said Lefave.
:: Canales reported a MassWorks grant will be submitted on Thursday and the town should know in about a month if will receive the funding. The grant, formerly known as the Small Town Road Assistance Program, was approved by town meeting. If received, it will be used to resurface Middle, Cross, West Cross and Daniels roads next spring.
:: The annual bulky waste collection will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 8 to noon at the highway yard on West Cross Road. See the prices and items accepted here.
:: The board approved the advertisement for a worker for the Department of Public Works. Foreman Joseph Tatro is retiring at the beginning of December; Kyle Hurlbut is expected to replace him, leaving a position open. Applicants with CDL and hydraulics licenses are preferred.
Clarksburg, Mass., Road Damage
Tags: disaster, Irene, storm,
