Town officials weigh whether to commit $600,000 in upfront costs for a bridge replacement largely funded by the federal government.

The Town of Saugerties is weighing whether to move forward with a federally funded project to replace the Drummonds Falls Road Bridge, a steel span over Kaaterskill Creek just off Route 32.

The proposed $4.2 million project would be 95 percent funded by the federal government, with the remaining cost covered by the town. While Route 32 is a well-traveled corridor, only one residential property would be directly affected by the bridge work.

Town Highway Superintendent Ray Mayone presented the proposal at the May 7 Town Board meeting. The board opted to table its decision until the next meeting, scheduled for May 21, to allow more time for review.

If approved, the project is expected to begin in 2027 and last four years. The town would need to pay a $600,000 deposit upfront, with the total out-of-pocket cost estimated at $214,000 after reimbursement. Town officials are considering issuing a bond to cover the deposit.

“It [the bridge] would benefit the town and the infrastructure has been around for a very long time so it’s reasonable to think we should fix it,” said Town Supervisor Fred Costello. “We just have to show we will commit the funds. It’s a good deal they will pay 95 percent of the project, but if they are not going to reimburse us for four years, we have to contemplate the impact of that.”

If the town declines the project, it will forgo the federal grant.

“We’ll just patch up what we have to patch up on the abutments,” Mayone said.

Amy Wu is a reporter covering Woodstock and Saugerties. Send correspondence to amy@theoverlooknews.com.