Board told federal grant awards are delayed; land trust explains reimbursement and sub‑applicant process

Scott, representing the land trust, updated the board on multiple federal grant applications that include town parcels such as 91 Muzzy Road and 49 Grant Road. He said many applications have been awarded and allocated in congressional budgets, but the administration’s new procedures earlier in 2026 have paused release of funds. Scott described the typical timeline: roughly two years from application to award and another year from award to release of funds under normal conditions, but he warned current procedures have introduced atypical delays.

Scott also explained the coalition applicant model: one lead land trust files the federal application on behalf of several sub‑applicants; correspondence and final award releases flow through the lead applicant to sub‑applicants. Because the town is often a sub‑applicant, the land trust must wait for the lead applicant and for federal release before town reimbursement occurs. Scott cautioned that due‑diligence costs (federal‑standard appraisals and other required work) are expensive and can reduce final reimbursement amounts. Board members asked for more precise figures and timelines; Scott said final amounts depend on approved acreage and the federal due‑diligence process.

Quote: "Everything's awarded, everything budgeted. It's just a matter of the administration releasing the funding," Scott said.

Next steps: The land trust will continue to pursue federal reimbursement and report back when funds are released or when due‑diligence costs are finalized.