NORTH SMITHFIELD – A project focused on development of the Route 146 corridor via installation of water lines received a boost this week, with the town now slated to receive $150,000 for an engineering study from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund and Site Readiness Program.
Town Administrator Paul Zwolenski said the study will allow the town to explore options for federal funding of the larger water extension project, which has support from a group of stakeholders at both the state and local levels, including several area business owners.
“It’s phenomenal news,” Zwolenski told members of the Town Council this week. “If we do get money from the federal government, we’ll be able to put water lines down 146. Woonsocket’s already agreeing to provide us the water, so it’s a home run.”
It is just the start of an effort to extend the existing water system from Dowling Village to the Lincoln town line, an ambitious project that will require collaboration between several municipalities, state agencies, water officials and others. The owner of one business that could benefit from the infrastructure upgrade, Bob Benoit of Anchor Subaru, obtained a rough estimate that put the total cost of the project $17 million, but Zwolenski noted it could be much higher.
Financing could come, however, through federal sources earmarked for such public water projects.
“Without engineering studies, we can’t do anything,” Zwolenski said. “That enables the town to apply for federal monies.”
In February, councilors approved a request from the North Smithfield Economic Development Commission regarding another element of the project: procurement of a study of the feasibility of a Tax Increment Financing plan. That plan could see new tax revenue generated by the increased assessments of properties in the corridor used to pay a portion of the bill for the water extension.
On Monday, NSEDC Chairman Steven Biron told councilors only one bid was received following a request for proposals for the TIF study, and that his board had not yet met to approve a recommendation to award the contract.
Zwolenski noted that the engineering study, to be financed with the recently announced state grant, is a separate but connected issue.
“It’s about doing engineering for the future, so we can put sleeves under the highway,” he said.
It’s a small but significant step forward for a project that at one time seemed nearly impossible – and that now comes with some urgency. Construction is already underway in a $196 million project by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to rehabilitate the highway, and supporters have noted that if that work is completed without installation of future water piping, the project will cost millions more.
Biron said that the first time town officials met with RIDOT to propose installing the sleeves, “they said ‘no way, you can’t do it.'”
But an effort, led in part by Woonsocket District 50 Rep. Stephen Casey, brought many back to the table, with officials from RIDOT now potentially on board. The project will also benefit the town of Lincoln by creating redundancy in that water system, and has support from officials there.
Zwolenski said the $150,000 grant came about as a result of the talks.
“It was looked upon favorably,” said Zwolenski. “The room was packed with stakeholders.”
“We have been very fortunate. We have a lot of allies in our corner from out of the town,” said Biron. “Even the speaker of the House was at the last meeting, and he’s supporting it.”
Still, Zwolenski noted, he was surprised by the amount of the state’s award, which does not require a local match and will also fund environmental studies.
“We didn’t expect to receive that much money,” he said. “We were thinking it would be somewhere in the $30,000 to $40,000 range.”
The Commerce/Site Readiness awards are given on a competitive basis to municipalities and/or economic development agencies for improvements to commercial districts. The state program expanded earlier this year to allow the funds to be used for technical assistance such as planning, engineering, design, and environmental assessments. Award recipients – which included the town of North Smithfield’s funding for a “site study for initial carrier pipes on the Route 146/146A corridor,” – ranged from $26,000 to $1.2 million.
“As a former mayor, I know how important Main Streets are to the economic success of our municipalities and small businesses,” said Gov. Dan McKee in announcing the grants. “With these awards, we are putting Rhode Islanders to work on projects that will ensure that local business districts continue to thrive for many years to come.”
But to make use of the effort, “Everything has to get done quick,” explained Biron.
This week, Councilor Douglas Osier asked if it would be a mistake not to include the installation of sewer in the plan.
“It just seems like if we’re going to do it, we might as well do it right,” Osier said of the project.
Biron said that while there is still a possibility sewer could be included, the end of the current pipes is a long way off.
“We don’t have the cost of the sewers, but I can guess it’s going to be three times what it costs for water,” he said.
Further, “They’ve come a long way with individual disposal systems,” Biron added. “Is it nice to have sewer? Yes. But water is the essential thing.”
Council President Kimberly Alves asked if it will still be beneficial to the town without sewers.
“There’s still that additional expense,” she said. “I think it’s a lot to ask of a business. Are we really going to find that many businesses that are going to be willing to put that kind of money into a septic system?”
Biron responded that it’s an answer the feasibility study aims to provide.
“Commerce does not give away $150,000 unless they think there’s merit in the project,” added Zwolenski.
Councilor Paulette Hamilton said she felt there was too much speculation regarding the project’s potential.
“It’s another example of not having a plan,” said Hamilton questioning if businesses would be interested. “We don’t have anybody yet.”
“We do have a plan,” Biron responded. “Lakeside Pools was at the statehouse. Anchor Subaru was at the statehouse.”
“I personally support the water line,” said Osier. “I just think it’s a shame that we’re not looking at sewer as well.”
Of the question of how much development could come from the project he added, “I think that’s a separate conversation for a different day.”
Biron noted that with contamination in the area, there’ more than just the potential for development at stake.
“Private wells could continue to get contaminated,” he said. “You’ve got to look at those hypotheticals also.”
“It’s crazy not to do it while we have the opportunity,” agreed Councilor John Beauregard. “Now, we have the grant to get this done.”
Councilors agreed that a joint meeting should be scheduled with the EDC for updates, and to provide board members with a chance to ask questions.
Right now we have a great potential for selling these properties knowing water and potentially sewer is coming down the line. No pun. With this grant, it will allow them to study the environmental impacts etc for that area. We have an aquifer with regulations. Great idea to have a workshop. I’m concerned that the wells already there will become more dangerous with pollution. They need water- how do you ever get things done dragging your feet, Git ‘er done!
Gail what you fail to realize is this is an $8 to $10 million dollar project and maybe more just for water. So who is going to pay for the upgrade? Should it be the residents that are being serviced since it benefits them, all the water serviced residence of NS, or all NS residence. I do not think charging residences in NS that do not have town water and use a well is appropriate and they should not bear the costs. Also does Woonsocket have enough excess water to service this area.
Now Mr. Osier wants to add sewer which is even more expensive and how and where are you tying into another towns sewer system. And again who is going to pay for this upgrade. I can assure you that the town and taxpayers will never see a return on this investment.
I know who can pay for this the man who came up the idea. I know a couple of politicians that would immediately vote no if only residents who have water and sewer are going to bear the financial burden.