Brownfield cleanup halted as state document requests delay River Mill contract

The Economic Development Commission was told on Jan. 9 that the River Mill brownfield project has been stalled by a state-level paperwork dispute that has delayed the contract and paused abatement work.

A project coordinator said the state’s attorney recently asked for evidence of builder’s‑risk insurance for the abatement work. “We were all like, ‘What is this for? There’s no builder involved,’” the coordinator said, adding that designers and many professional firms do not provide that type of policy.

That request has prevented execution of the state contract and put contractor Eagle’s abatement work on hold, the coordinator said. “If the state wants to invest millions of dollars in projects, it’s more than just sending a letter of award. The funds have to flow. If the funds don’t flow, it damages everybody’s credibility,” the coordinator added.

Commission members said the request appears to be a document-loop issue between the town’s project team and DECD (the state economic development agency). The coordinator reported she has followed up with DECD counsel and is “as cautiously optimistic” that the matter will be resolved within the quarter, but acknowledged the team cannot require the state to move faster.

Members discussed options for public notification and signage, noting that brownfield grants typically require a site sign and that the contractor usually supplies it. They also pledged to include project updates in weekly communications and on the town web page so residents understand that interior environmental work can be ongoing even when exterior site activity is not visible.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the item. The next procedural step is for staff to secure written confirmation from DECD that builder’s‑risk documentation is not required for the current contract scope or to provide the specific evidence requested so the contract can be executed and funds released.