Commission weighs dredging plan after conflicting cost estimates

The commission reviewed a preliminary map showing a possible dredging footprint and discussed widely differing cost estimates. The Chair described the area and said "it's approximately 22,000 square feet" would be dredged; commissioners noted a prior quote around $300,000 while other estimates associated with town engineering approached $900,000 to $1,000,000. Members raised disposal and testing as major cost drivers.

Commissioners agreed the next step is to commission an engineering study and prepare an RFP; the Chair said $50,000 is available in the town budget for engineering work. They emphasized the need for selectmen and board-of-finance approval before proceeding with larger expenditures.