Engineering services for the dike bridge were over $8,000 more than what the Woolwich select board expected. Voters raised $19,000 for the engineering study in 2017. The cost is closer to $27,000.

Calderwood Engineering of Richmond was hired to evaluate the small span on George Wright Road near Route 1. Additional costs were mostly due to a hydraulics analysis of the tidal flow. Eric Calderwood reviewed the report with the board Aug. 6. The town office received a final invoice of $8,260 Aug. 10. “We weren’t expecting this,” Chairman David King Sr. said at Monday’s meeting.

The board didn’t know in advance the study would cost more than what voters raised. King added, he wished it had known. Members discussed several payment options including a special town meeting to raise the money.

The board hired Calderwood to address the aging bridge and box culvert built in 1935. The culvert is too small for the tidal flow from the Sasanoa River. Calderwood suggested replacing the bridge with a longer span of 30 or 50 feet.

Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is pursuing grant monies from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation to address the flow problems and Maine Department of Transportation officials are considering ways to control Route 1 flooding there.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements have been completed at Nequasset Park. More improvements will be made when funds become available.

Selectman Allison Hepler said the town hasn’t been credited from Central Maine Power Co. for power generated by the town’s solar array. Helper said she notified its builder – ReVision Energy of Portland – and CMP officials. The array located at the former landfill on Middle Road went online in mid-January.

Sue Ellen Whittaker, co-chair of the Nequasset Park Committee, asked for a sign at the park and swimming area stating dogs must be leashed. The board agreed to it.

Michael Sinton, Woolwich representative to the Bath Water District, gave a brief quarterly report. Sinton said BWD hopes to be involved in next year’s Nequasset Paddle race.

The board will contact Maine Municipal Association for a legal opinion on whether or not the board can issue a property setback variance.