Isle of Springs will soon be getting an upgrade to its mainland access. On Aug. 25, Boothbay Harbor selectmen approved a wharves and weirs application from the island association for its town pier and floats.  

The project includes replacing and elevating floats and the piers, which provide the access to the island. Part of the pier will also be widened to make it easier to transport goods on and off the dock and allow for safer traffic. The pier is also being elevated from 7.9 feet to 12 feet. 

“That'll put us three feet above flood,” said engineer Will Gartley, representing the applicants. “The current facility does get inundated at times during storms and high water.” 

The board also approved a pier and float replacement at 18 Eaton Road. The project involves putting in a 36-foot by three-foot ramp and 30-foot by 16-foot ramp. 

According to Selectboard Chair Michael Tomko, neither abutters nor the harbor master had negative comments for either project. Both applications passed unanimously.  

In other business, the board discussed the ongoing comprehensive plan from consulting firm VHB. According to Town Manager Julia Latter, the next phase is data research and forming an advisory group of 10-12 stakeholders representing businesses, schools, nonprofits and other local interests.  

Latter also updated the board on a project with the Rural Infrastructure Strengths Evaluation (RISE) program. She said they are working with the police department and Lincoln County Regional Planning Commision on parking. They also hope to create a stakeholder group.

The board set a Sept. 22 public hearing around raising funds for footbridge lighting, with a public meeting to be held Oct. 13. 

In addition, the board approved a $65,271 purchase order to buy a Ford Super Duty F-350 for the public works department. The truck will replace a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado plow truck. “It’s a 2024 leftover, so we're getting a good deal on it,” Latter said.  

In related news, Latter said the town is getting a new quote for the salt and sand shed project. She said the installing company pulled the original quote due to the impact of tariffs.