Readsboro is dealing with renovations for two other bridge projects. The selectboard approved repairs for the Branch Hill Road and Tunnel Street bridges and the total costs are approximately $3.8 billion. Readsboro’s share is $380,000 and the town will cover the costs through the bridge fund.
Billy Goat bridge underwent renovations 15 years ago but the repairs were halted so that the Vermont Agency of Transportation could concentrate on the Branch Hill Road and Tunnel Street bridges. AOT officials say they are now ready to finish the job, but one resident thinks the town cannot afford to repair another bridge.
Larry Hopkins believes the town should decide on whether to support the renovations. and he initiated a petition to hold a special Town Meeting. The estimated cost for the Billy Goat bridge is $1.045 million and the article asks the town to raise and appropriate $104,000 or 10% of the cost for restoration efforts. If the voters approve the article, the town will be responsible for raising the money because the bridge fund cannot cover the costs. If the voters reject the article, Billy Goat bridge will be taken off the national bridge register and the town will no longer be eligible for state funding.
Hopkins said “numerous taxpayers” believe the bridge is costly, that not many motor vehicles use Howe Pond Road on a consistent basis, and the bridge “isn’t missed” because “it has been closed for 22 years. Historically, the bridge has been very hard to maintain and was often out of service in the winter,” said Hopkins. “Growth is limited in that area as the Green Mountain National Forest will be buying hundreds of acres abutting the road above, so there are no building prospects there.”
Proponents believe Billy Goat bridge has its benefits. It offers a shorter commute for residents, provides easy access for emergency medical services, and snowmobilers may use it to access the Heartwellville area. Some residents believe Billy Goat bridge is just as important as the Branch Hill Road and Tunnel Street bridges and should be saved.
Anna Bolognani supports the completion of the bridge. She said the town “needs to takes care of its infrastructure” and the bridge would benefit all travelers. Bolognani lives on Howe Pond Road and has to travel on Branch Hill Road in order to reach Route 100 or Readsboro center. Bolognani said Billy Goat bridge would allow her to access Route 100 without having to take Branch Hill Road and it would be a much shorter commute. “There’s only one way in and out and this bridge would open up to the other side of the mountain,” said Bolognani.
Bolognani claims the state “pays for 90% of the bill” and it makes “economic sense” to support the renovations. She also believes the bridge will be well-used if it is reopened. “I think more people would use it.” said Bolognani. “I remember that people used it all the time when it was in operation. It’s good for the town and I support whatever we need to do to keep our infrastructure intact for future generations.”
Selectboard member Craig Bartosewcz agreed with Bolognani. He said Billy Goat bridge “is the source for Central Vermont Public Service’s power supply to Readsboro Falls and Bailey Hill Road” and that economic growth would be likely if the town approves the funds. “If we don’t agree to do it now, it would mean asking to raise $25,000 a year for four years in a tough economic climate. Now is our chance or else the 90% funding will disappear,” said Bartosewcz.
Hopkins, on the other hand, said the taxpayers spoke at Town Meeting when they cut the general budget by $67,000 (or nine percent). Continuing with the bridge repairs, according to Hopkins, does not represent sound fiscal responsibility.
“We sent a message (at Town Meeting) that we want them to start managing our money, not just spend it. In retaliation, they are ignoring that message and they have not provided a good reason to do this project,” said Hopkins.
The special Town Meeting takes place at Readsboro Central School on Tuesday, May 25, at 7 pm.
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