WINDHAM — Selectmen favor using federal stimulus money to improve the town's historic train depot area over using a transportation enhancement grant for the same purpose.
The board voted unanimously Monday to accept the $174,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for exterior work to the depot and freight buildings.
The buildings are at the intersection of Frost and Depot roads.
Selectmen plan to let the enhancement grant, which it had already been awarded, lapse. That's because the stimulus money requires $30,971 less in matching funds from the town than the transportation enhancement grant requires.
In effect, the town benefits by $31,000 by going with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money.
The board approved acceptance of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money pending a review of a prior Town Meeting vote authorizing the depot rehabilitation work. If the review deems the vote sufficient then no other action will be required. If it is insufficient, then the town will need to hold a special town vote.
In keeping with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act rules, the project must go out to bid in August, be awarded in November, and the work completed within 18 months.
Selectmen's Vice Chairman Bruce Breton wanted to be sure that work does not conflict with Highway Department operations at the depot.
The town stores equipment, salt and sand at the site.
Town Administrator David Sullivan said he doesn't expect any conflict between the two operations.
The depot improvement work will take place during the spring and summer. The Highway Department can move its materials during those months, he said.
Depot improvements will include new roofs and windows, clapboard repairs, as well as painting and foundation work.
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