The Representative Town Meeting, at its meeting Wednesday, approved spending $5.5 million to repair the failing structure, work on which would begin next October and be finished in mid-2026. Funds to cover the cost will come from the town’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds, some $3.3 million, with the balance covered with bond and note authorization to the Municipal Improvement Fund Account. The ARPA funds, according to the federal government, must be under contract to projects before Dec. 31, 2024, or the funds revert back to the government. The funds must be spent in two years. For the tide gate and walkway work, Director of Public Works Pete Ratkiewich said most marine structures that involve pilings or concrete in the water last 20 to 25 years. He believes that because the town has performed maintenance on the tide gate each summer, workers were able to expand the life by 11 years.
https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/westport-approves-5-5m-repair-40-year-old-pond-19929445.php