The Town of Center received construction bids for the Center Valley Road Reconstruction ARIP project, with MCC submitting the apparent low bid of approximately 1147000. During the May 11, 2026 board meeting, officials learned that storm sewer work had been omitted from the original estimate, adding roughly 400000 in costs and threatening the town’s ability to afford the full project without delaying other road work for years. Board members expressed disappointment with engineering consultant MSA and are now reconsidering the project scope, including possibly shortening the project limits so work continues only until available grant funds are exhausted.MSA also proposed 50000–60000 in construction oversight services, but the board decided to pause and seek guidance from the town attorney before proceeding. This creates an opening for vendors in roadway design, value engineering, construction phasing, grant/transportation finance advisory, and construction management to help the town redesign scope and delivery to fit the funding reality and maintain its broader road program.

Town expected a 90/10 ARIP grant cost split; the DOT will not increase the grant award, but project limits can be adjusted. The board is also requesting a letter of accountability from MSA.