Haverhill City Councilor Michael S. McGonagle.
The next steps by the city to extend the Bradford rail trail along the Merrimack River call for inclusion on a regional transportation improvement project (TIP) list to qualify for future federal and state grant money.
Council President John A. Michitson.
Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini outlined plans as city councilors Tuesday approved his request for $125,000, among other capital spending, to purchase from Pan Am Railway a stretch of a former railroad bed between the Basiliere Bridge and the Crescent Yacht Club. In a discussion with President John A. Michitson and Councilor Michael S. McGonagle, Fiorentini said the city would next need to come up with money for a 25 percent design toward a finished extension project to be included on a TIP list through the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.
“Transportation Improvement Project list money is 80 percent federal money and 20 percent state money, no city money. Transportation money goes to regional planning organizations. They put together the list, which is called the TIP list and we fight to get on it. But in order to get on it we’ve got to have the land and the design,” Fiorentini said.
When asked by McGonagle, Fiorentini said he believed there was not another funding source available for the extension purchase. Last week, Chief of Staff David S. Van Dam told WHAV it was “possible” when the fund transfer item was held back from the previous council agenda.
In addition to the trail extension, councilors approved another $125,000 in capital improvement transfers for infrastructure at city hall, including $10,000 for flooring, $55,000 to repair and paint building eaves and $60,000 for engineering design work to the retaining wall between the building and main parking lot.
Council Approves Borrowing $2,5 Million for School Energy Work
In other action, the council unanimously approved the city borrowing up to $2.5 million to fund energy improvements at 11 city school buildings under a 15-year energy services contract (ESCO) with Ameresco, Inc., Framingham. Under the bond order, the city would fund an estimated $30,000 annual interest portion while the school district would be responsible for the principal.