Plan for Osgood Pond Dredging Moves Ahead (USA)

Town officials are moving toward a partnership agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for dredging Osgood Pond.

The $2.9 million project would restore most of the eastern half of the 26-acre pond, which has been covered with dense weeds that prevent boating and other recreational uses.

The latest recommendation from Army engineers is to dredge 10-15 acres and pump the sediment to containment facilities at the town-owned Brox property.

The dredged material would be used to restore some of the Brox property and Adams Field, a town sports field adjacent to the pond.

Town Administrator Guy Scaife has been meeting with with Army Corps of Engineer officials, he recently told selectmen.

“I am extremely optimistic we will get the (agreement) in front of you” soon, he said.

If selectmen decide in favor of the project the town will share in the cost, paying $105,000 it has in capital reserve funds earmarked for Osgood, as well as in-kind work from the Department of Public Works, including the construction of a dewatering facility at Brox and preparation of Adams Field.

By Kathy Cleveland (cabinet)

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Source: cabinet, November 11, 2010;