WOLFEBORO - The proposed Center Street reconstruction hit a few bumps in the road during the town's deliberative session Tuesday night at Kingswood Arts Center, as several residents suggested amended wording.

Warrant Article 5 asks voters to raise and appropriate $2.1 million to reconstruct Center Street from South Main to Wolfeboro Falls, including new roadway, drainage, sidewalks and intersection upgrades.

This is a proposed New Hampshire Department of Transportation municipally-managed project and the state will fund two-thirds of eligible costs. The town's portion is $700,000.

Public Works Director David Ford said there is a possibility the state may not fully fund a $2.1 million project. In that case, the town would narrow the scope of the repair project to $1.9 million. The town already has $200,000 in funds approved last year for infrastructure improvements that it could apply to Center Street reconstruction. Town Counsel Mark Puffer confirmed at the session that the funds from last year do not lapse until the project is completed.

With some uncertainly as to the DOT's contribution to the town, several residents said the article should reflect both funding scenarios. Another resident suggested putting off the article until the town firms up the numbers from the state. The wording was amended for clarity.

Warrant Article 6, $400,000 for upgrades to the sewer collection system, moved forward without amendment.

Warrant Article 7, for upgrades to the public works garage, was amended up from $340,000 to $400,000, in part due to a fire at the public works garage last week that destroyed a good portion of the five bay garage and a $160,000 snow plow and sidewalk plow.



lmulkern@newstote.com