Dalton Ponders Request for Infrastructure Bill
DALTON, Mass. — Dalton is keen to get a deferred pedestrian bridge project in front of Congressman Richard Neal for possible inclusion in the anticipated federal infrastructure bill.
The pedestrian bridge at East Housatonic Street and Carson Avenue is an infrastructure need that was already drafted, but deleted from a previous federal road construction project completed a few years ago. Select Board member John Boyle proposed now is the time to revisit it.
Neal, who Boyle says has been "very conscientious about taking care of the western part of the district," is a key architect in the legislation, as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
The previous project, which was undertaken from 2014-2018, included the installation of a sidewalk that now dead ends abruptly at the bridge, forcing pedestrians to cross traffic dangerously.
"Obviously this is a very unhealthy situation," said Boyle. "In my mind, it's a disaster waiting to happen."
Boyle recommended that the town submit a presentation including the previous study and design work, along with traffic commission endorsement, and other narrative materials explaining the importance of the project to Dalton.
Member Joseph Diver was reserved about the proposal, questioning if other town projects, such as needed sewer reconstruction, might be higher priorities to pursue in this bill. Diver suggested this bill has "some hill to climb" yet, offering time for a more exploratory conversation with Neal's office.
"I think we need to move very quickly," disagreed Boyle. "Everyone in the country is going to be having the same thought."
He maintained that the pedestrian bridge option has the advantage of being essentially shovel-ready, with a great deal of costly engineering already completed.
Town Highway Superintendent John Roughly added that upfront engineering costs for any other major project would need to be paid by the town, and it's unlikely they'll be able to fund studying such a project in the immediate future.
"This looks like a good opportunity that we could get a little slice of that pie," said board member Dan Esko.
In the end, Esko and Chairman Robert Bishop favored having Boyle "begin the conversation" with Neal's office about submitting the bridge proposal.
One percent of the approximately $3 trillion 2021 Infrastructure Bill will be devoted to congressional earmarks.
In other town business, the Health Department will make final determinations on Tuesday about plans for reopening Town Hall on Monday, April 5. Dalton will be one of the first town halls in Berkshire County to return to in-person business this year, following re-surging numbers in the region beginning in the fall.
After discussing various options and locations, the Select Board has decided to continue to permit the informal, wooden ramp "skate park" located at Pine Grove Park, for the time being. It was clarified that the town is not liable for their use, since the structures are the property of the youth who set them up.
"I'd rather see them doing it there, than doing it out in the street," said Bishop.
