NEWFANE — Bridge projects and federal property buyouts in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene are still underway, according to Selectboard member Chris Druke, who delivered a report on the subject at the board's Sept. 19 meeting.
Druke said Hunter Brook Bridge repairs were moving along, and that the second abutment has been poured and is curing and that beams should be arriving in a few weeks.
She noted “great progress” on Lynch Bridge, where “the beams were being built as we speak – we're in process finally.” Though that work is moving forward, it might not be completed until next year, she said.
Progress is slower on Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) buyouts for storm-wrecked residences, as many state officials Druke was working with are vacationing, she said.
On Aug. 15, Druke said 28 Stratton Hill Rd. and 5 Hickey Rd., both in South Newfane, seemed near completion and were awaiting state review; 236 Dover Rd. was waiting for allocation of funding and a closing date; and 246 Dover Rd. was in its initial phases.
“I don't expect anything to happen on that until November, basically December,” she said at the time.
Each property receiving grant aid was appraised for its market value as of Aug. 27, 2011, the day before the storm struck.