DALLAS PLANTATION — The Department of Homeland Security, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Maine Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, has awarded Dallas Plantation grants for two public roads.  The awards are for Harold Ross Road $36,375 and Dallas Hill Road $41,625.  The Plantation submitted the application under the Fiscal Year 2023.

The Plantation has awarded the engineering contract to Acorn Engineering, Inc. of Portland and Kingfield.  Acorn will complete a field survey of existing culverts and road conditions, complete preliminary design documents, prepare a Cost Benefit Analysis, as well as provide bidding and construction-phase services.  Additional core samples to determine gravel materials and bedrock depth will be taken to correctly address the extent of known issues susceptible to heaving and rutting in wet conditions.

Through the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, municipal officials became aware of assistance from the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) after the winter storms in 2023.  MEMA aided communities through the disaster response and provided continuing education and opportunities for review.  Dallas Plantation was one of the few locations in the state to meet with FEMA officials to evaluate road conditions.  Further assistance was provided by the Maine Local Roads Commission, MDOT who advised and provided an engineer to review the roads in person.  

The Plantation’s Board of Assessors continues to work with state agencies that provide technical assistance to ensure gravel road maintenance best practices.  The reconstruction of what were once old camp and logging roads is essential to support the continued growth of the community while also handling changing severe weather conditions and runoff in the area.

The BRIC grant program has been eliminated for future projects by the current administration.  The Plantation will seek available funding through other agencies.  A town meeting to discuss funding the reconstruction will take place after the engineering review is complete, and competitive bids are received to determine project costs.