Council approves bank‑stabilization contract and authorizes bidding for larger project

The Township of Washington council approved a contract authorization and bidding steps for a bank‑stabilization project on Schwabson Brook during its Jan. 8 meeting.

Township officials said the $55,000 amount being authorized to Boswell Engineering covers bid preparation, administration and inspection work for the project. Council members clarified that the $55,000 figure was for Boswell’s services only and that the full construction cost for the stabilization work would be substantially larger and will be put out to bid separately.

After questions about the scope and timing — administrators said permitting and construction inspection work are included and the construction phase is expected to take roughly six months — the council approved Resolution 26‑163 authorizing the award for bank stabilization and subsequently approved Resolution 26‑164 to advertise solicitation of bids for the construction work.

Council discussion indicated the town will separate consultant and construction contracts and return project‑level details to the council in subsequent agenda items.