Brookfield approves design funding for Moose Mountain Bridge; construction estimate could top $400,000

Selectman Ed Ingalls told the town that the Moose Mountain Bridge is on the state's red list and requires repair. The warrant articles authorized withdrawals of $62,000 (Article 14) and $145,000 (Article 15) from two Moose Mountain capital reserve funds to cover part of an engineering and permitting package.

"The cost for the design part is 207,000," Ingalls said, describing the engineering estimate for design, permitting and a bid package. He added that the physical construction estimate from the designer "would need between 4 or $500,000 for physical use of care," indicating the town should expect a considerably higher construction cost than the design budget.

Residents raised questions about the current balance in the trust funds and whether state or other grants could offset construction costs. Scott Scathington asked specifically about government grants; Ingalls said grant opportunities will be considered as part of the evaluation but cautioned that government involvement can add regulatory complexity and potentially increase overall project cost. Another resident noted the town had been unable to insure the bridge for a decade, framing the repairs as both safety and liability concerns.

Both warrant articles passed by voice vote. The selectmen said the design and permits are expected to take six to nine months once contracted and that construction funding will be addressed at a future meeting once bids and permit details are known.