County looking at ways to fund repairs to storm-damaged roads

Peaks House-032222

Observer Photo/Valerie Royzman Peaks House in Dover-Foxcroft.

Observer Photo/Valerie Royzman Peaks House in Dover-Foxcroft.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Early estimates are that roads in the Piscataquis County unorganized area have suffered about $80,000 in damage from last month’s wind and rain storms, with some dirt roads washed away by water and Roads need to be graded. County Commissioner Michael Williams is currently working to find the funds needed to repair the roads, he told county commissioners during their Tuesday morning meeting.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Early estimates are that roads in the Piscataquis County unorganized area have suffered about $80,000 in damage from last month’s wind and rain storms, with some dirt roads washed away by water and Roads need to be graded. County Commissioner Michael Williams told county commissioners during a meeting Tuesday morning, Jan. 16, that they are currently working to find the funds needed to repair the roads.

Mr Williams is waiting to hear from his treasurer what funds are in the undesignated fund account to see what funds are available for road maintenance, in addition to the remaining summer road maintenance costs. He said there was. Once the numbers are finalized, the plan is to bring back the county budget committee to review the plan, present it to the commission, and then to the state auditor for approval.

“But we need to take the first step,” Williams said as he awaited information on unspecified funds.

County officials said a capital account could be added to future budgets to help fund road repairs after the storm. “Otherwise, if you spend money from summer maintenance, you’re going to fall behind,” he said, citing funds being diverted from regularly scheduled projects to keep roads in shape. said.

Williams reflected on the past five years during his time as county manager, most of which have seen storms hit the area and caused damage to county roads.

Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency Director James Duggan said the county meets the criteria for a disaster declaration. “Therefore, a housing disaster declaration is now expected to be approved,” she said, noting that the funds are expected to be distributed within 12 to 18 months in accordance with standard practice.

Two weeks ago, Duggan told commissioners the county’s damage total to date has reached $2.6 million and continues to rise.