Blandford Select Board pursues $2.06 million in road improvement grants

BLANDFORD -- March 4, 2024, Blandford Select Board approves software contract and targets $2.06 million in road grants. The board unanimously approved a six-year VADAR financial software contract at zero percent interest, with a first-year cost of roughly $59,000 and annual costs of approximately $16,000 thereafter, offset in part by a state grant. Highway Superintendent TJ presented plans for two road improvement grant applications, $1.5 million for Beach Hill Road and $560,000 for Gore Road, each requiring a 10 percent town match if awarded. The board signed housing rehabilitation agreements with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for 4 Wyman Road and 21 Herrick Road, and confirmed receipt of $257,382.37 in Chapter 90 highway funds for the coming fiscal year. Town Administrator Mike warned the board that an unspent shared-services grant may require returning funds to the state after a scheduled call with state officials on March 5 showed early signs that retroactive salary reimbursement would not be approved.