BRUNSWICK

The town council on Tuesday approved almost $1 million in total spending for Brunswick’s roads, including $200,000 to repair unexpected damage incurred by heavy rains and flooding Aug. 13- 14.

According to Finance Director and Interim Town Manager John Eldridge, the town doesn’t expect any reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for storm damage, because there was not enough county-wide damage incurred by last month’s storm.

“The entire cost will fall to us,” Eldridge said.

Following the storm, the town made temporary repairs to get damaged roads reopened, however more extensive work is required for permanent repairs, according to Eldridge.

Repair work includes replacing culverts in order to handle a larger water flow and meet state laws passed in 2011.

Raymond, River, Hacker, Collinsbrook and Lunt roads suffered washouts, and will need replacement culverts and repaving, among other repairs.

Temporary repairs have already been completed and have cost $25,000. Permanent fixes will cost $175,000.

Eldridge noted that the temporary culverts installed are undersized, and that another storm could cause significant problems.

Councilor Steve Walker noted that, as climate change continues, heavier rains at odd times of the year will likely continue.

Larger culverts will be needed to handle the resulting additional flow. The culverts will also help mitigate the habitat fragmentation that threatens some aquatic species such as brook trout.

“We’re doing the right thing, even as our hand is forced,” said Walker.

Also on Tuesday, the council voted on Tuesday to authorize bonds covering the cost of $580,000 for storm drain improvements at Nancy Drive, and repairs of Patricia Road and Pierce Lane.

The proposal, under the auspices of the town’s capital improvement plan, was initially brought to the council Aug. 4.

Nancy Drive resident Tom Maines told the council that drainage in the area “needs significant improvement.”

Public Works Director John Foster said he was doubtful there would be enough time to start the project this fall.

“We’re pretty late in the season. We’re talking a couple months worth of work,” Foster said. “We’ll hit it hard early next year.”

The council also approved the purchase of a replacement sidewalk tractor used to clear snow, which Eldridge called “absolutely essential.” The $146,000 cost will be paid for through bonds, after the department of public works’ vehicle reserve budget proposal was cut by $100,000.

Councilor Suzan Wilson criticized that budget cut, saying, “Here you are, folks. You thought you saved money, but you still have to buy the tractor.”

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com

BREAKDOWN OF FLOOD DAMAGE COSTS

As prepared by John Foster, director of public works and town engineer:

$18,000: Raymond Road washout
$53,000: River Road washout
$30,000: Hacker Road washout
$42,000: Collinsbrook Road washout
$18,000: Lunt Road washout
$4,000: Bunganuc Road washout
$6,000: design engineering
$4,000: permitting

$175,000: Total estimated cost of permanent fix

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