Updates on depot, other projects

NORTH CANAAN — The Board of Selectmen spent some time at its Feb. 4 meeting looking at grants and ongoing projects.At the front of everyone’s mind is the final phase of the Canaan Union Station rebuilding project. The most costly portion of the now decade-long effort by the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association will allow the historic landmark to reopen for the first time since an October 2001 fire destroyed half the 1872 depot. The nonprofit organization bought the property in January 2003. Earmarked federal funds will support the interior finishing, landscaping and completion of a railroad museum on the old signal tower. Selectman Charlie Perotti, board liaison on the project, said the expected meeting with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) in January did not happen.The project has met all needed criteria, including all state reviews and agreements with Housatonic Railroad Company. Architect John Lloyd, with AI Engineering, remains optimistic the final approval could come in March, according to Perotti.“We just need this one last meeting to be able to go out to bid,” Perotti said. “We’ve got to get something moving because the cost of materials is going to go up soon.”Wangum VillageA $750,000 state Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant is being spent on a list of improvements at the Wangum Village apartments for seniors. A new community building has been constructed. Upcoming work will include the remodeling of several apartments to meet handicapped access requirements, and new sidewalks.Once enough of that grant is spent, the town plans to apply for another STEAP grant to continue sidewalk improvements in the town center.Word will come from the state when it is ready to plan work on the Tobey Hill Road bridge over the Whiting River. It has been a while since the span was put on the bridge replacement list, and subsequently approved for 80 percent funding. First Selectman Douglas Humes said no estimate has been made, but small bridge replacements typically cost about $1 million. The good news is that it is the last major bridge to be replaced here.