Special Town Meeting voters approved an additional $47,000 for construction of the Mattapoisett leg of the South Coast Bikeway – after debate in which the path was referred to as a “black hole” for funds.

Voters approved a $17,000 appropriation for design and engineering of Phase 1B of the bike path, and an additional request for $30,000.

Bike Path Committee member Rob Price said the $30,000 is needed to test the bedrock on an area of the path that will require a bridge. The state is supplying a $50,000 grant towards the testing, which was not originally required. The town has spent approximately $407,000 on the path since construction began, according to Town Administrator Mike Gagne.

If completed, the Mattapoisett portion would be part of a 50-mile continuous system of bike paths connecting Rhode Island to Cape Cod.

Some voters recalled original bike path supporters saying the project wouldn’t cost taxpayers money, some voters were concerned about the financial “black hole”.

“I'm not opposed to the bike path, but when we say things we should mean what we say,” said Bill Sweeney. “We should say enough is enough. We don't need another black hole.”

Elisabeth Pennington, a member of the Finance Committee, said she had struggled with the financial impact of the bike path as well.

“I am deeply concerned that we are creating our own Mattapoisett Big Dig,” she said. “For future phases, we really have to watch the bottom on line on this.”

Price corrected Pennington, saying there is only one more phase of the bike path that will bring it to the Marion line.

He also said much has changed since the rail trail was originally proposed, particularly the permitting requirements from the state Department of Transportation.

While the town has paid out a considerable amount, federal funding for the project is $4.9 million.

Kathleen Costello, the town’s assessor, said it would be fiscally irresponsible to halt the project at this point.

“I just can’t imagine that we would expend $400,000, and we’ll draw the line in the sand at $30,000. That doesn’t make sense,” she said.

The funding is needed now because several permits must be acquired for the project to remain at the top of the state’s Transportation Improvement Plan, which brings with it significant funding.

Still, Sweeney was unconvinced.

“This is a runaway train. Put a cap on it,” he said. “Someone has to say enough is enough.”

What will happen in the future is a question, but on Monday, voters approved the $30,000 appropriation 82-7.