Town in line for FEMA funds to rebuild Metropolis Rink
By Mike BergerSelectmen received some encouraging news regarding the financing needed to reconstruct the Metropolis Skating Rink as representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) visited Canton last week to inform Town Administrator Charlie Aspinwall that the town may be eligible for federal funds covering 75 percent of structural repair costs for damages incurred during the severe winter storms of 2015.
More than 3 years have passed since the roof collapsed at Metropolis Skating Rink. (Moira Sweetland photo)
Aspinwall also announced that the consultant’s report outlining cost estimates for the rink has finally come in and the latest projections for design, construction and permitting is approaching $10 million. The town currently has $3.2 million in insurance proceeds in the town’s treasury, and the town could be in line for state funding with a request currently pending in the state legislature.
Aspinwall told selectmen that the town could be eligible to recover up to 75 percent of eligible structural costs but not for unrelated repairs such as the cost of paving the rink parking lot.
Selectmen followed the recommendation of Aspinwall and directed the Building Renovations Committee to immediately find a firm to come up with design plans. Aspinwall said there is no deadline from FEMA for the design plans but the town faces a February 2019 deadline to sign a construction contract with a firm in order to use the insurance proceeds. Aspinwall said the sooner the design costs are forwarded to FEMA, a decision can be reached on FEMA’s reimbursement to the town. Aspinwall said if additional local appropiations are needed it is conceivable that selectmen could call a special town meeting in the fall.
Reacting to the news, Selectmen Chairman Mark Porter said there is finally a reason to be encouraged after the town experienced lengthy delays while waiting for a decision from the insurance company and direction from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, which owns the site and leases it to the town. “I am glad things are finally picking up,” Porter said.
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Posted by Mike Berger
on Jun 16 2018. Filed under News, Town Government.
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