Grant could save pond project

FRANKLIN — A federal government grant could be the key to getting Franklin's Pond walking path back on track after the project was put on hold last month due to spending concerns.
The Franklin Borough Council on Tuesday decided to pursue funding for the path via the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), a federally funded grant administered through the state.
The program, which was established by Congress in 2012, provides money for “community-based non-traditional projects designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation's intermodal system.” According to the program's website, eligible projects include the design and construction of both on- and off-road trails for non-motorized forms of transportation, like walking and biking, as well as the construction of scenic viewing areas.
“I think it would behoove us to put something in motion to put a grant in for this if it could save our taxpayer money,” Councilwoman Dawn Fantasia said in drawing the council's attention to the program.
Earlier this summer, the council sought and received bids for construction of the walking path around Franklin Pond, but declined to hire a contractor when all offers came in massively over the estimated cost. The borough's engineer had pegged the project's price tag at around $86,000; the two bids received were for just under $149,000 and $180,000.
At the suggestion of the public, the council then planned to move forward with the project via its Department of Public Works. However, that idea was recently put on hold as the borough sought to curb non-essential expenses to avoid a spending freeze.
Interestingly, the TAP program also accepts applications for the “community improvement activities” including streetscaping and corridor landscaping. Fantasia said this element could be used to further revitalize Main Street in addition to planned paving in that area. The Main Street paving, however, is currently on hold due to the stoppage of work on non-essential projects funded by the struggling state Transportation Trust Fund.
The deadline for 2016 TAP applications is Nov. 10.
One paving job that isn't on hold is the planned resurfacing of Rutherford Avenue.
The council said Tuesday the contractor for that project is aiming to begin milling and paving work on Rutherford Ave on Aug. 29. Work is expected to last approximately six days, the council said.
The council also approved the publication of four bidding specifications for a new garbage contract. The specifications include two options where the town would own the garbage and two where the contractor would haul and own the trash, as well as the option in both scenarios to include or not include bulk pick up. All four specifications would return garbage pickup to its former two day schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday, the council said.