“For many years, the Town has partnered with Walsh Engineering as the firm chosen for engineering, design, scope, and cost estimating for the Marginal Way. Following a multiday nor'easter in 2018 that caused significant damage, the Town submitted repair costs to FEMA. After a multi-year back-and-forth, FEMA approved but then drastically reduced the amount allotted to the Town. Knowing we had to undertake these repairs without financial assistance, we worked with Walsh Engineering to develop a 10-year plan. This plan aimed to gradually address the necessary repairs, distributing the financial burden over time for our taxpayers. During the refinement of this plan, we encountered three additional storms that inflicted further damage and worsened the existing issues.

The most recent storms, occurring back-to-back on January 10th and 13th, 2024, necessitated temporary path closure due to undermining and washouts in several areas. Immediate repairs were essential for safety. Fortunately, Walsh Engineering swiftly provided us with an emergency repair plan, allowing the path to reopen last Friday.

In response to these challenges, the Marginal Way Preservation Fund (MWPF) engaged the public to raise funds for storm damage repairs and approached the Town proposing significant financial support for the restoration of Marginal Way. Following an initial discussion, the MWPF asked for the total costs and the scope of all work needed. Walsh Engineering presented a comprehensive plan, identifying 31 repair sites with an estimated total cost of around $3 million.

Discussions continued with the MWPF to review their ability to assist the Town. They pledged $500,000 immediately, and an additional up to $500,000 from their ongoing Storm Damage Campaign, and up to $100,000 per year for related projects. Additionally, they have committed to an annual review to understand work remaining and additional funds required. The Town intends to take out a $1 million 15-year bond. The MWPF will allow the Town to utilize their yearly $100,000 contribution to the Town for the entire bond term, so the net effect is at no cost to taxpayers.

This collaborative project will span two years and is strategically scheduled to minimize disruption from June through August. We anticipate a potential additional need of $ 1 million to complete the repairs, aiming to reduce this through efficient project management and consolidated bidding processes. The MWPF's commitment extends to evaluating and supporting the additional funding needed to complete this project.

The project's scope includes crucial initiatives the Town has long considered: a detailed survey of the Marginal Way to define Town property boundaries and a comprehensive sustainability study. These efforts will ensure that future FEMA coverage limits the Town's liability to 10% of repair costs from declared disasters, significantly aiding our long-term sustainability planning.

I sincerely thank the Marginal Way Preservation Fund and all contributors for their dedication and support. Their commitment has significantly altered the trajectory of what appeared to be a decade-long, costly endeavor for taxpayers, transforming it into an immediate action plan that enhances the Marginal Way's resilience against future storms and reduces the Town's financial liability. The real value of their grant, while nominally around $3 million, represents an exponential saving for the Town and ensures the path's preservation for future generations. Thank you, Marginal Way Preservation Fund, for making this vision a reality.”

Bob Whitelaw, Select Board Chair