Milton officials try to move forward with capital projects

COVID-19 has brought much of life to a standstill to limit the spread of the virus, but Milton town officials are trying to keep moving on planned infrastructure projects.

Town Manager Kristy Rogers said the town plans to complete projects currently called for in the 2020 budget, but long-term planning by committees such as the water committee has been halted. 

Rogers said town administration is reviewing bids for a new water treatment plant at Shipbuilder’s Village. She said the intention is for a recommendation to be made to town council whenever council meets again, although when that will be is still in question. Council’s next meeting was set Monday, May 4, but it has been cancelled. 

Milton Planning and Zoning Commission has twice met via video/teleconference, but commission meetings generally do not have as much public participation as town council meetings.

While city committees aren’t meeting, Rogers said town administration is doing what work they can.

Design and planning work is ongoing for a new water tower, well and treatment plant at a 4-acre parcel the town bought on Federal Street, next to the Rails to Trails extension. The project’s cost, financing and construction were under discussion by the water committee, which last met March 11. 

Rogers said town officials also want to move forward with planned water main upgrades in the area between Atlantic Street and Chestnut Street. She said the town is working on finding funding for the project, which had been planned through a grant from the state. 

On the other hand, the Rails to Trails extension from Federal Street to Lavinia Street is still moving along. Rogers said the project was ahead of schedule before coronavirus began rearing its ugly head across Delaware. The section from Lavinia Street toward the railroad bridge is complete, she said, with workers now moving toward Federal Street.