To the Editor:

Progress, and whether construction can begin in 2016, has been the topic of Bike Path Committee meetings in past months. The committee is very appreciative of residents' turnout to last fall's 25 percent public hearing. It was a resounding message of support.

Since then there has been good progress in drawings and submissions: We are on our way to 75 percent submittal of our right of way documents and to 100 percent submittal of civil design documents. Our MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency) submission, however, cannot start until bridge design issues that have been in negotiation are worked out. The most recent design submission/review resulted in new bridge design requirements that add time and costs to our design.

The good news is that negotiations have minimized delays in order for our project to be ready for our allocated construction year (2016.) Also, the Friends have already pledged their available funds to make sure a required consultant can be hired.

Raising the money to pay for all the additional work, though, needs to be done. Town Meeting will see a funding request this spring from CPA ($15,000) and from free cash in an amount to be determined. Competing unexpected costs associated with snow removal, road repair and bridge replacement mean that the Town may not be able to commit this Spring to pay for all costs.

Over the summer an important fundraising drive may be initiated. Can you help? Fresh faces are needed in this effort. Please get in touch with Bonne DeSousa at 508-951-2406 or bdesousa43@comcast.net.

Bonne DeSousa,
Mattapoisett