Duxbury Grapples with DPW Building Costs, Seawall Project Delays
Town seeks solutions to bridge $3.5 million gap for DPW facility while awaiting approvals for seawall construction
DUXBURY, MA - June 24 - Duxbury officials are facing challenges with two major infrastructure projects, as costs for a new Department of Public Works building rise and regulatory delays hinder progress on a crucial seawall project.
At Monday's Selectboard meeting, Jeff Alberti of Weston and Sampson reported that the lowest bid for the DPW building came in at $30 million, $3.5 million over the approved budget of $26.4 million.
"We've seen three consecutive years of double-digit escalation in the market," Alberti explained, noting that construction costs for public works facilities jumped 33% in 2022, followed by increases of 15% in 2023 and 13% this year.
The town is exploring cost-cutting measures to bridge the gap. Alberti outlined potential savings through modifying soil management practices, changing the project's phasing, and altering building materials.
"We're going to have to work some more with the committee and the DPW to alter the plan in a way that can save additional funds," Alberti said. "We certainly have to get innovative."
Selectboard member Fernando Guitart emphasized the need for creative solutions, stating, "Bottom line is to find that $3.5 million, we've got to be really innovative in our thinking."
Board member Amy MacNab expressed disappointment with the cost overruns, noting that the town had already made concessions to reduce the project's scope. "We gave up a lot in that building to get that price down," MacNab said.
The board discussed bringing in additional expertise to help identify cost-saving measures. Town Manager René Read cautioned that finding $3.5 million in savings would likely result in significant changes to the building's design.
Meanwhile, the town's seawall project is facing its own challenges. Read reported that the project is experiencing delays due to slow responses from federal and state regulators.
"We're at the mercy of the regulators, and there isn't anything that we can do about it," Read said, quoting an email from the project manager.
The delays have raised concerns among town officials and residents about potential impacts on public safety as hurricane season approaches. Alicia Babcock, a resident, expressed worry about the project's timeline.
"If we were to lose houses or property or something in this window here because we're waiting for people that are understaffed to give us answers, what is the liability on the town as far as that is concerned?" Babcock asked.
Selectboard Chair Michael McGee echoed these concerns, stating, "I have some very strong concerns about people potentially putting other priorities ahead of safety and people's homes."
The town is exploring grant opportunities to help fund the seawall project. Candice Martin, a volunteer working with the Water and Sewer Advisory Board, mentioned a coastal resiliency grant that could provide up to $2 million in funding.
As both projects face challenges, town officials are committed to finding solutions. For the DPW building, the focus is on identifying cost-saving measures without compromising the facility's functionality. For the seawall project, the town is considering ways to expedite the regulatory process while seeking additional funding sources.