Accessibility group: dam removal funding appears in place; town to coordinate contractor selection and Riverwalk plans

Members of a Northfield accessibility working group discussed progress on the Cross Brothers Dam removal and how the project will affect the planned Riverwalk.

The group reported a robust pre-bid site visit attended by contractors, consultants and media. Participants said the bid package—about 20–30 pages plus drawings and legal attachments—was circulated to interested firms and that multiple contractors appeared likely to submit bids. Committee members said funding was discussed at the site meeting; participants referred to a funding conduit in the meeting as the 'Vermont natural resources defense council.'

Town Manager Mary Smith was named as the primary town contact for contractor coordination. Committee members said the next procedural step is to collect and evaluate submitted bids to determine whether they meet contract requirements and to compare schedules, prices and qualifications. The group emphasized that detailed conversations with contractors will most likely occur after a contractor is selected.

Members stressed that contract language limits what contractors can change in the flood plain and on the riverbank. The committee noted environmental and federal constraints that could affect timing: attendees cited protections for bats, trout-spawning windows and possible federal review triggers when FEMA funds are involved. Those factors, members said, could require additional approvals or rerouting work if archaeologically sensitive materials are found during construction.

The meeting identified a contractor work window cited in the bid documents: members said the in-water/activity window is roughly June 1 to October 1. Participants cautioned that contractor schedules are unpredictable and that a ceremonial ribbon-cutting may not align with final completion if the contractor’s schedule runs late.

No motions or formal votes were taken. Committee members said they will follow up with Mary Smith to get the contractor selection schedule and to invite the town manager or selected contractors to future working sessions. The group will circulate minutes and continue coordination by email.

The accessibility working group will monitor bid submissions and return to the topic at a future meeting once the town has evaluated bids and confirmed scheduling.